The Hebrew word Chuqqôq, represented by H2712, is defined as appointed and refers to Chukkok or Chukok, a place in Palestine. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses. Its primary role is to identify a specific geographical location within the biblical narrative.
In the biblical narrative, H2712 is used exclusively as a geographical marker. During the allotment of land to the tribes, it is named as a landmark where the coast H1366 of the tribal territory turneth H7725 and goeth out H3318 to Hukkok Joshua 19:34. Later, in the lists of Levitical cities, Hukok is mentioned as a city given with its suburbs, alongside Rehob H7340 1 Chronicles 6:75.
Several related words help clarify the context in which Hukkok is mentioned:
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (border, bound, coast): This word establishes the primary function of Hukkok in the Joshua narrative, as it is a point along the coast or boundary line that defines tribal territories Joshua 19:34.
- H2074 Zᵉbûwlûwn (Zebulun, a son of Jacob; also his territory and tribe): The territory marked by Hukkok reacheth H6293 to Zebulun on the south side, linking the location directly to this specific tribe's inheritance Joshua 19:34.
- H836 ʼÂshêr (Asher, a son of Jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory): Hukkok also marks the border that reacheth H6293 the tribe of Asher on its west side, further defining the division of the land Joshua 19:34.
The significance of H2712 is rooted in its role in the administrative and sacred geography of Israel.
- Defining Tribal Inheritance: Hukkok serves as a concrete landmark that delineates the borders of the land promised and allotted to the tribes of Israel, specifically anchoring the boundaries of Zebulun H2074 and Asher H836 Joshua 19:34.
- Levitical Provision: Its identification as Hukok with her suburbs demonstrates that it was designated as a city for the Levites, highlighting the structured provision for the priestly tribe within the promised land 1 Chronicles 6:75.
- An Appointed Place: The name itself, meaning "appointed," signifies that this location was part of a divine and orderly plan for the settlement of the Israelite people, not a random point on a map.
In summary, H2712 is a specific, "appointed" location that gives tangible shape to the biblical account of the Israelite inheritance. It functions as a crucial boundary marker in the division of the promised land among the tribes and is later identified as a Levitical city. The use of Chuqqôq illustrates the detailed and deliberate nature of the fulfillment of God's promises concerning the land of Israel.
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