The Hebrew term Chătsar Çûwçîym, represented by H2702, identifies a place in Palestine known as Hazar-susim. Derived from words meaning "village" and "horses," its name translates to village of horses. It appears only 1 time in the Bible, in a single verse.
The sole appearance of H2702 is in a genealogical list in 1 Chronicles. It is named as one of several cities H5892 alongside Bethmarcaboth H1024, Bethbirei H1011, and Shaaraim H8189. This list documents locations that existed "unto the reign of David" 1 Chronicles 4:31. The context places Hazar-susim within a specific geographical and historical framework of ancient Israel.
The immediate context of H2702 connects it to other significant place names:
- H1024 Bêyth ham-Markâbôwth (Bethmarcaboth): Meaning "place of (the) chariots," this location is listed alongside Hazar-susim in both 1 Chronicles 4:31 and Joshua 19:5.
- H8189 Shaʻărayim (Shaaraim): Defined as "double gates," this name points to a fortified location. It appears with Hazar-susim in the list of cities 1 Chronicles 4:31 and is mentioned as a landmark in the pursuit of the Philistines 1 Samuel 17:52.
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This is the term used to classify Hazar-susim and its neighboring towns in the text 1 Chronicles 4:31. It is a broad term for a city or encampment, described as "a place guarded by waking or a watch."
The significance of H2702 is primarily historical and geographical rather than theological.
- Historical Record: Its inclusion in the Chronicles list serves to document the specific cities H5892 belonging to the tribes of Israel, preserving the historical account of their territory before the reign of David 1 Chronicles 4:31.
- Cultural Context: The name Hazar-susim, "village of horses," provides a small window into the life of the era, suggesting a settlement known for its equine resources.
- Geographical Association: Its consistent listing with Bethmarcaboth H1024, the "place of (the) chariots," reinforces the area's identity as a center for assets related to travel or warfare.
In summary, Chătsar Çûwçîym H2702 is a specific place name, Hazar-susim, meaning "village of horses." Its single biblical mention in 1 Chronicles 4:31 firmly places it within a list of cities that defined Israel's tribal landscape before David's reign. While not a term with deep theological meaning in itself, it contributes to the historical and geographical precision of the biblical narrative.
TRV