from חָצֵר and the plural of סוּס; village of horses; Chatsar-Susim, a place in Palestine; Hazar-susim.
Transliteration:Chătsar Çûwçîym
Pronunciation:khats-ar' soo-seem'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Chătsar Çûwçîym (חֲצַר סוּסִים), Strong's `{{H2702}}`, is a compound place name derived from two distinct lexical elements. The first component is חָצֵר (chatsêr), Strong's `{{H2691}}`, which typically denotes an "enclosure," "courtyard," "settlement," or "village." This term often describes an unroofed space, sometimes walled or fenced, associated with dwellings or a community. The second component is the plural form of סוּס (sûws), Strong's `{{H5483}}`, meaning "horse"; thus, סוּסִים (sûwsîm) translates to "horses."
When combined, Chătsar Çûwçîym literally means "village of horses" or "enclosure of horses." This descriptive name strongly suggests a location characterized by the presence of horses, perhaps a place where horses were bred, stabled, traded, or gathered for military purposes. The semantic range is primarily geographical, pinpointing a specific settlement in ancient Palestine whose identity was intrinsically linked to its equine population.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chătsar Çûwçîym appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the context of the tribal allotments and genealogies.
1. **[[Joshua 19:5]]**: "and Ziklag, and Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susah," Here, it is listed as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Simeon within the larger territory of Judah. The context is the detailed enumeration of the inheritance of the tribes of Israel after the conquest of Canaan. Its inclusion in this list underscores its status as a recognized and settled place within the divinely appointed land. The slight variation "Hazar-susah" in this verse is a textual variant, likely referring to the same location, emphasizing the consistency of the name's meaning.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 4:31]]**: "and Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susim, and Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David." This passage provides a genealogical and geographical record of the tribe of Simeon, confirming Chătsar Çûwçîym as one of their settlements. The mention of "until the reign of David" suggests its historical significance as a long-standing Simeonite possession.
In both occurrences, Chătsar Çûwçîym is presented as a specific geographical marker. Its presence within these lists of cities indicates its role as a populated center, likely possessing some strategic or economic importance given its name. The fact that it is named after horses could imply its function as a cavalry outpost, a breeding ground for horses, or a center for the horse trade, all of which would have been valuable assets in the ancient world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Chătsar Çûwçîym naturally connects with several related words and concepts:
* **חָצֵר (chatsêr) `{{H2691}}`**: As the first component, this word is crucial. It appears frequently in the Bible, referring to various types of enclosures, from the courtyards of the tabernacle/temple ([[Exodus 27:9]], [[1 Kings 6:36]]) to royal palaces ([[Esther 1:5]]) and, most relevantly, to unwalled villages or settlements ([[Deuteronomy 2:23]], [[Isaiah 42:11]]). Its presence in numerous other place names (e.g., Hazar-addar, Hazar-gaddah, Hazar-shual, Hazar-enan) highlights a common pattern of naming settlements based on their physical characteristics or prominent features.
* **סוּס (sûws) `{{H5483}}`**: The term for "horse" carries significant cultural and theological weight in ancient Israel. Horses were primarily associated with military power and chariotry, often symbolizing human might and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God ([[Psalm 20:7]], [[Psalm 33:17]]). Kings of Israel were explicitly warned against multiplying horses for themselves ([[Deuteronomy 17:16]]), a command often disregarded, leading to dependence on Egyptian or Assyrian military resources. While Chătsar Çûwçîym is merely a place name, its etymology subtly evokes this broader biblical theme concerning the acquisition and use of horses.
* **Military and Economic Implications**: The existence of a "village of horses" points to the practical realities of ancient life. Horses were vital for transport, agriculture, and especially warfare. Such a place could have been a strategic point for military operations, a center for horse breeding, or a hub for the lucrative horse trade. This provides a glimpse into the economic and military infrastructure of the early Israelite period.
### Theological Significance
While Chătsar Çûwçîym is primarily a geographical designation, its inclusion in the biblical narrative carries subtle theological implications:
* **Divine Sovereignty in Land Distribution**: The meticulous listing of cities like Chătsar Çûwçîym in Joshua and Chronicles underscores God's precise and sovereign distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel. Every piece of territory, every village, however small or seemingly ordinary, was part of God's divine plan for His people. This demonstrates His detailed oversight and fulfillment of His covenant promises.
* **God's Knowledge of All Things**: The very act of naming and recording such a place, even one whose significance seems purely descriptive, reflects the biblical emphasis on God's comprehensive knowledge of His creation and His people. No place or detail is too insignificant to escape His notice or His providential ordering.
* **Subtle Reminder of Trust in God vs. Human Power**: While not a direct theological statement, the name "village of horses" might serve as a subtle backdrop to the recurring biblical tension between reliance on human military might (often represented by horses and chariots) and absolute trust in Yahweh. Even as Israel settled in a land dotted with places named for human endeavors or resources, the overarching narrative consistently called them to place their ultimate faith in God's power and protection, not in their own strength or the strength of their horses ([[Isaiah 31:1]]).
### Summary
Chătsar Çûwçîym (חֲצַר סוּסִים), Strong's `{{H2702}}`, literally translates to "village of horses" or "enclosure of horses." This descriptive place name identifies a specific settlement within the territory allotted to the tribe of Simeon, as recorded in [[Joshua 19:5]] and [[1 Chronicles 4:31]]. Its etymology suggests it was a location known for its association with horses, potentially serving as a center for breeding, stabling, or military operations. While primarily a geographical marker, its inclusion in the biblical record highlights God's meticulous providence in the distribution of the land and His comprehensive knowledge of His creation. Furthermore, the name subtly evokes the broader biblical theme of human reliance on worldly power (represented by horses) versus trust in the sovereign power of God.
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