from חָצֵר and שׁוּעָל; village of (the) fox; Chatsar-Shual, a place in Palestine; Hazar-shual.
Transliteration:Chătsar Shûwʻâl
Pronunciation:khats-ar' shoo-awl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֲצַר שׁוּעָל (Chătsar Shûwʻâl), transliterated as Hazar-shual, is a compound place name derived from two distinct Hebrew roots. The first component, חֲצַר (chatsar), is the construct form of חָצֵר (`{{H2691}}`), which typically denotes an "enclosure," "court," "settlement," or "village." Its semantic range extends from a simple courtyard to a fortified settlement. The second component, שׁוּעָל (shu'al), refers to a "fox" or "jackal" (`{{H7776}}`). Therefore, the literal and primary meaning of Hazar-shual is "village of (the) fox" or "enclosure of (the) jackal." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to identify a specific geographical location within ancient Israel, particularly in the southern Negeb region. The name likely reflects a characteristic feature of the area, perhaps indicating a prevalence of these animals, or possibly a location known for their cunning or destructive presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hazar-shual appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently as a geographical marker within lists delineating tribal inheritances and post-exilic settlements.
1. **[[Joshua 15:28]]**: It is listed as one of the cities in the southernmost part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, specifically within the Negeb region. This context places it among other towns like Beersheba and Ziklag, indicating its position as a border town or a settlement in a more arid, wilder part of the land.
2. **[[Joshua 19:3]]**: Hazar-shual is subsequently mentioned as one of the cities given to the tribe of Simeon, whose inheritance was located within the larger territory of Judah. This highlights the interweaving of tribal lands and the historical development of Israelite settlement patterns in the south.
3. **[[1 Chronicles 4:28]]**: This passage reiterates Hazar-shual's inclusion in the list of towns inhabited by the Simeonites. The Chronicler's account often reinforces the tribal genealogies and land distributions, emphasizing the continuity of the covenantal promises.
4. **[[Nehemiah 11:27]]**: In the post-exilic period, Hazar-shual is listed among the towns in the Negeb that were repopulated by the returning exiles. This indicates its continued existence as a settlement and its role in the restoration of the Jewish community to the land of Judah after the Babylonian captivity.
Across these occurrences, Hazar-shual serves primarily as a geographical anchor point, contributing to the detailed cartography of the promised land and the historical record of Israelite settlement and resettlement. Its consistent placement in the Negeb underscores the challenging but divinely ordained expansion into and possession of all parts of the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Hazar-shual naturally connects to several related biblical terms and concepts:
* **חָצֵר (chatser, `{{H2691}}`)**: This root word is crucial, as it forms the first part of Hazar-shual. It appears frequently in various contexts, from the outer courts of the Tabernacle/Temple ([[Exodus 27:9]]) to nomadic encampments ([[Genesis 25:16]]) and settled villages. Understanding its range helps to visualize Hazar-shual not as a major city, but likely a smaller, perhaps less fortified, settlement.
* **שׁוּעָל (shu'al, `{{H7776}}`)**: The "fox" or "jackal" is significant. In biblical literature, foxes are often associated with cunning ([[Luke 13:32]]), desolation ([[Lamentations 5:18]]), or destructive behavior ([[Song of Solomon 2:15]]). The naming of a place after such an animal might suggest its wildness, its remoteness, or perhaps a local characteristic that made it notable.
* **The Negeb (`{{H5045}}`)**: The region where Hazar-shual is consistently located. The Negeb is known for its arid, semi-desert conditions, often requiring specific agricultural and water management practices. Its mention highlights the challenges and resilience of the Israelite settlers.
* **Tribal Inheritance**: The concept of *nahalah* (`{{H5159}}`), or "inheritance," is central to the books of Joshua and Judges. Hazar-shual is an example of the meticulous division of land among the tribes, reflecting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenantal promises to Israel.
* **Post-Exilic Return**: Its mention in Nehemiah connects it to the broader theme of the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing the re-establishment of communities and the re-inhabitation of the land.
### Theological Significance
As a place name, Hazar-shual's theological significance is primarily indirect, contributing to the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan for Israel.
1. **Divine Provision and Fulfillment of Promise**: The inclusion of Hazar-shual in the detailed land allotments in Joshua underscores the meticulousness of God's provision for His people. Every piece of the promised land, even a "village of the fox" in a remote region, was part of the divine inheritance given to Israel. This speaks to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
2. **Sovereignty over the Land**: The very act of naming and listing these places asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over the land of Canaan and its distribution. Even a place named after a wild animal is brought under the dominion of God's people as part of His ordered creation.
3. **Resilience and Restoration**: Its re-population in Nehemiah reflects the theme of restoration. Despite exile and desolation, God's people are brought back to their ancestral lands, including places like Hazar-shual, signifying hope and the renewal of the covenant community.
4. **Symbolism of the Name (Subtle)**: While not overtly theological, the name "village of the fox" might subtly evoke themes of the wildness of the frontier, the challenges of settlement in a land not fully tamed, or perhaps even a reminder of the subtle dangers (like cunning adversaries) that might lurk in the periphery, requiring vigilance and trust in God's protection. It grounds the divine story in the tangible, often challenging, realities of the natural world.
### Summary
Hazar-shual (חֲצַר שׁוּעָל, `{{H2705}}`) is a Hebrew place name meaning "village of the fox" or "enclosure of the jackal." It is derived from חָצֵר (`{{H2691}}`, "enclosure/village") and שׁוּעָל (`{{H7776}}`, "fox/jackal"). Biblically, it is consistently identified as a town in the Negeb region, initially allotted to Judah and later to Simeon in [[Joshua 15:28]], [[Joshua 19:3]], and [[1 Chronicles 4:28]]. Its re-population after the Babylonian exile is noted in [[Nehemiah 11:27]]. Theologically, Hazar-shual serves as a testament to God's precise fulfillment of His land promises to Israel, His sovereignty over all territories, and the theme of restoration as His people returned to inhabit their divinely appointed inheritance, even in the more remote and wilder parts of the land.
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