from חָצֵר and a derivative of עַיִן; village of springs; Chatsar-Enon, a place in Palestine; Hazar-enon.
Transliteration:Chătsar ʻÊynôwn
Pronunciation:khats-ar' ay-none'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֲצַר עֵינוֹן (Chătsar ʻÊynôwn, `{{H2703}}`) is a compound noun, literally translating to "Village of Springs" or "Court of Fountains." The first element, חָצֵר (chatsêr, `{{H2691}}`), denotes an enclosed area, a settlement, or a village, often referring to a rural dwelling or an encampment. The second element, עֵינוֹן (ʻÊynôwn), is a derivative of עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`), which primarily means "eye" but is frequently used topographically to mean "spring" or "fountain," as the source of water was likened to an eye. The form עֵינוֹן suggests a plural or dual sense, indicating multiple or abundant springs. Thus, the compound noun precisely describes a geographical location characterized by the presence of significant water sources, a crucial feature in the semi-arid ancient Near East. Its semantic range is exclusively geographical, identifying a specific place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hazar-enon (חֲצַר עֵינוֹן, `{{H2703}}`) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the book of Ezekiel, specifically in the context of the prophet's detailed vision concerning the division of the land among the tribes of Israel in the eschatological future:
* [[Ezekiel 47:17]]: "And the border shall be from the sea to Hazar-enon, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath." Here, Hazar-enon is explicitly named as a northern boundary marker.
* [[Ezekiel 47:18]]: "And for the east side ye shall measure from Hazar-enon, between Hauran, and Damascus, and Gilead, and the land of Israel by Jordan, from the border unto the east sea. And this is the east side." Again, it serves as a starting point for measuring the eastern border, firmly establishing its position in the far north.
* [[Ezekiel 48:1]]: "Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enon, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan." This verse reiterates Hazar-enon's role as a key northern boundary point for the tribal allotments, consistently linked with Damascus and Hamath.
In all contexts, Hazar-enon functions as a precise geographical landmark, delineating the northern extent of the divinely allotted land in Ezekiel's vision. Its name, "Village of Springs," would have made it a prominent and easily identifiable location in the landscape, crucial for defining borders.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of Hazar-enon connect it to several significant biblical concepts:
* חָצֵר (chatsêr, `{{H2691}}`): This root is common, referring to various types of enclosures, from nomadic camps ([[Genesis 25:16]]) to the courts of the tabernacle/temple ([[Exodus 27:9]]) and settled villages ([[Joshua 15:27]]). Its presence in Hazar-enon highlights the place as a settled area, distinct from wilderness.
* עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`): As the root for "spring" or "fountain," it is foundational to the meaning of Hazar-enon. Numerous other biblical place names incorporate עַיִן to denote locations with significant water sources, such as En-gedi ([[1 Samuel 23:29]]), En-rogel ([[2 Samuel 17:17]]), and En-dor ([[1 Samuel 28:7]]). The plural/dual form in עֵינוֹן emphasizes the abundance of water at this specific location.
* Boundary Markers: Hazar-enon serves as a critical boundary marker, a concept pervasive in biblical literature, particularly in defining the extent of the Promised Land. Other examples of such markers include rivers (e.g., "the River of Egypt"), seas (e.g., "the Great Sea"), and mountains.
* The Promised Land (אֶרֶץ, 'erets, `{{H776}}`): The concept of a divinely given and defined territory for Israel is central to the Old Testament narrative. Hazar-enon, as a northern boundary, contributes to the precise description of this sacred space in Ezekiel's vision.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Hazar-enon in Ezekiel's prophetic vision carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Order and Fidelity:** The meticulous delineation of the land's boundaries in Ezekiel 47-48, with Hazar-enon as a key northern point, underscores God's perfect order and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenantal promises. The precise geographical descriptions convey the certainty and reality of God's future restoration for Israel, leaving no doubt about the extent of His blessing and provision.
* **Symbolism of Life and Blessing:** The name "Village of Springs" (Hazar-enon) is inherently symbolic. Springs are vital sources of life, refreshment, and sustenance, particularly in an arid climate. In a vision of restoration and renewal, a place named for its abundant water sources can subtly symbolize the life-giving presence of God, the spiritual refreshment of His renewed covenant, and the fruitfulness that will characterize the restored land. It stands in contrast to the desolation often associated with divine judgment.
* **Eschatological Hope:** As part of Ezekiel's grand vision of the future, Hazar-enon points to an ideal state of Israel, where the nation dwells securely within its fully possessed and divinely ordered territory. It speaks to a future where God's promises are completely fulfilled, His provision is abundant, and His people dwell in peace within clearly defined and blessed boundaries.
### Summary
Hazar-enon (חֲצַר עֵינוֹן, `{{H2703}}`) is a Hebrew compound noun meaning "Village of Springs," derived from חָצֵר (chatsêr, `{{H2691}}`, "village, court") and a derivative of עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`, "spring"). It appears exclusively in the book of Ezekiel ([[Ezekiel 47:17]], [[Ezekiel 47:18]], [[Ezekiel 48:1]]), where it consistently serves as a vital geographical landmark, defining the northern boundary of the land of Israel in the prophet's detailed vision of the restored nation. The name itself highlights the location's prominence due to its abundant water sources. Theologically, Hazar-enon underscores God's meticulous ordering and faithful fulfillment of His covenantal promises to Israel, symbolizing divine provision, life, and the secure, blessed dwelling of His people in their divinely allotted territory in the eschatological future.
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