from חָצֵר and the same as עֵינָן; village of springs; Chatsar-Enan, a place in Palestine; Hazar-enan.
Transliteration:Chătsar ʻÊynân
Pronunciation:khats-ar' ay-nawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֲצַר עֵינָן (Chătsar ʻÊynân, `{{H2704}}`) is a compound proper noun, a geographical place name. Its meaning is derived from its constituent parts. The first element, חֲצַר (chatsar), is the construct form of חָצֵר (chatsar, `{{H2691}}`), which typically denotes an "enclosure," "court," "settlement," or "village." The second element, עֵינָן (ʻeynân), is related to עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`), meaning "eye" or, more relevantly in this context, "spring" or "fountain." Thus, the complete name literally translates to "Village of Springs" or "Court of Fountains." The semantic range of Chătsar ʻÊynân is fixed as a specific location, a boundary marker characterized by the presence of water sources, a vital resource in the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chătsar ʻÊynân appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently serving as a geographical landmark to delineate the northern border of the land of Israel.
1. **[[Numbers 34:9]]**: "and the border shall go on to Ziphron, and its termination shall be at Hazar-enan; this shall be your north border." Here, it marks the northeasternmost point of the land allotted to the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God through Moses. It is part of a detailed description intended to define the precise boundaries of the inheritance.
2. **[[Numbers 34:10]]**: "And you shall draw your east border from Hazar-enan to Shepham." This verse further clarifies the eastern segment of the northern border, extending from Hazar-enan southward. The repetition underscores its importance as a key navigational point in the divine allocation of territory.
3. **[[Ezekiel 47:17]]**: "The border shall run from the sea to Hazar-enan, with the border of Damascus to the north, and the border of Hamath to the north. This is the north side." In Ezekiel's prophetic vision of the restored land, Hazar-enan again functions as a critical point on the northern boundary. Its inclusion here indicates the enduring nature of these divinely ordained borders.
4. **[[Ezekiel 48:1]]**: "Now these are the names of the tribes: From the northern end, by the way of Hethlon to the entrance of Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus northward, by the side of Hamath, and they shall have their portions, one for Dan." This verse reiterates Hazar-enan's position on the northern border, specifically in relation to the tribal allotments in the eschatological vision. Its consistent mention highlights its geographical significance as a fixed and recognizable landmark.
In all occurrences, Chătsar ʻÊynân is presented as a precise and identifiable geographical marker, crucial for defining the divinely appointed limits of the Promised Land, both in historical and prophetic contexts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of Chătsar ʻÊynân connect it to several important biblical concepts. The first element, חָצֵר (chatsar, `{{H2691}}`), is a common term for various types of human settlements or enclosures, ranging from temporary camps to permanent villages or even temple courts. Its use here reinforces the idea of an inhabited or defined place within the landscape. The second element, עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`), meaning "spring" or "fountain," is profoundly significant. Water sources were essential for survival, agriculture, and settlement in the arid climate of the ancient Near East. Places named after springs (e.g., En-gedi, En-rogel) were often vital centers of life. The very name "Village of Springs" suggests a place of natural abundance and strategic importance.
Conceptually, Chătsar ʻÊynân is related to:
* **Borders and Boundaries**: It functions as a clear demarcation point, reflecting God's precise ordering of the land.
* **Land Inheritance**: It is integral to the description of Israel's divinely promised and allocated territory.
* **Water as Provision**: Its name highlights the importance of water, a recurring biblical motif for life, blessing, and divine sustenance.
* **Geographical Markers**: It belongs to a class of place names that describe the land based on its natural features, providing concrete reference points for the people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Chătsar ʻÊynân, though a specific place name, is profound in its contribution to the overarching biblical narrative of God's covenant with Israel and His providential care. As a critical point on the northern border of the Promised Land, Hazar-enan testifies to God's precise and deliberate allocation of territory to His chosen people. This divine act underscores His faithfulness to His covenant promises (e.g., to Abraham in [[Genesis 15:18]]). The meticulous detailing of these borders, including Hazar-enan, emphasizes that the land was not acquired by chance or human conquest alone, but was a divine gift, clearly defined and owned by God.
Furthermore, the name "Village of Springs" subtly points to God as the ultimate provider. In a land where water was scarce and precious, a place characterized by abundant springs would have been a symbol of life, sustenance, and blessing. While not explicitly used in a metaphorical sense, the literal reality of the springs at Hazar-enan resonates with the broader biblical theme of God as the source of living water (e.g., [[Jeremiah 2:13]], [[John 4:10-14]]). The inclusion of Hazar-enan in Ezekiel's vision (chapters 47-48) reinforces the enduring nature of God's promises regarding the land, even in the context of future restoration. It grounds the prophetic vision in a tangible, historical geography, affirming the reality and permanence of God's plan for His people and their inheritance.
### Summary
Chătsar ʻÊynân (`{{H2704}}`), meaning "Village of Springs," is a significant geographical place name in the Hebrew Bible, consistently marking the northeastern boundary of the land of Israel. Its etymology reflects its nature as a settlement characterized by vital water sources, highlighting the importance of such features in the ancient world. Appearing in both the historical accounts of Numbers and the prophetic visions of Ezekiel, Hazar-enan serves as a precise and enduring landmark for the divinely appointed borders of the Promised Land. Theologically, its consistent role as a boundary marker underscores God's meticulous providence, His faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding the land, and His role as the ultimate provider of life-sustaining resources. Its inclusion in future prophetic visions affirms the permanence and reality of God's plan for His people's inheritance.
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