the same as חֲרָדָה; Charadah, a place in the Desert; Haradah.
Transliteration:Chărâdâh
Pronunciation:khar-aw-daw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H2732 (חֲרָדָה, Chărâdâh) functions as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its base definition explicitly states it is "the same as H2731 (חֲרָדָה)." This direct etymological link is crucial for understanding its semantic range, as H2731 signifies "trembling, fear, terror, anxiety." Therefore, the place name *Haradah* can be interpreted as "Place of Trembling" or "Place of Fear/Anxiety." While it denotes a physical encampment site, its name inherently carries a connotation of the emotional or experiential state associated with its root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H2732 (חֲרָדָה, Chărâdâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the detailed itinerary of Israel's wilderness wanderings recorded in the book of Numbers.
* [[Numbers 33:24]]: "And they removed from Mount Shapher, and pitched in Haradah."
* [[Numbers 33:25]]: "And they removed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth."
In this context, Haradah is listed as one of the numerous stations where the Israelites encamped during their forty-year journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab. It is situated between Mount Shapher and Makheloth in the chronological sequence of their travels. The text provides no specific narrative events, miracles, or significant pronouncements that occurred at Haradah. Its inclusion is purely as a geographical marker within the divine record of Israel's journey, emphasizing the meticulous detail with which God guided His people through the wilderness. The name itself, however, invites contemplation regarding the potential experiences or characteristics of this particular encampment site, even if unrecorded.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is H2731 (חֲרָדָה, charadah), the common noun from which the place name H2732 is derived. H2731 denotes "trembling, fear, terror, great anxiety," and is often used to describe the overwhelming dread or awe experienced in the presence of divine power or impending judgment. This noun, in turn, stems from the verbal root H2729 (חָרַד, charad), meaning "to tremble, to be terrified, to be anxious, to be afraid."
Concepts related to Haradah therefore extend to:
* **Fear and Trembling:** The inherent meaning of the word suggests a place potentially associated with fear, perhaps due to the harshness of the desert, a specific event, or the general anxiety of the wilderness journey.
* **Divine Guidance:** As one of the many precisely named encampments, Haradah underscores God's detailed and sovereign leading of Israel through every stage of their journey, including places that might have evoked fear.
* **Wilderness Experience:** The broader theme of the wilderness as a place of testing, discipline, and reliance on God's provision, where fear and faith often intersected.
* **Toponymy:** The biblical practice of naming places based on events, characteristics, or significant experiences, often embedding theological meaning into the geography itself.
### Theological Significance
While Haradah is merely a point on a map in the biblical itinerary, its name, rooted in "trembling" or "fear," carries subtle yet profound theological implications. It serves as a reminder that the Israelites' journey was not always one of comfort and triumph, but often traversed "places of trembling."
1. **God's Presence in Difficult Places:** The inclusion of Haradah in the divinely inspired record testifies to God's presence and guidance even in locations potentially associated with fear or anxiety. The Lord led His people *through* Haradah, not around it, demonstrating His sovereignty over all circumstances, including those that might evoke dread.
2. **The Human Condition in the Wilderness:** The name Haradah may reflect the Israelites' own experiences of fear, doubt, and trepidation during their arduous journey. The wilderness was a crucible for their faith, and moments of fear were undoubtedly common (e.g., fear of thirst, hunger, enemies, or God's judgment). Haradah could represent a collective memory or a characteristic of a particular segment of their journey.
3. **A Metaphor for the Spiritual Journey:** For the believer, Haradah can serve as a metaphor for the "places of trembling" in one's spiritual walk – periods of intense fear, anxiety, or uncertainty. The fact that Israel encamped there and then moved on signifies that such fearful experiences are often temporary stations on the path of faith, not permanent destinations. God leads His people *through* these seasons, fostering reliance on Him.
4. **Divine Purpose in Trials:** The naming of such a place implies that even experiences of fear can be part of God's larger redemptive plan, designed to teach dependence, build character, and highlight His faithfulness in delivering His people.
### Summary
H2732 (חֲרָדָה, Chărâdâh) is a proper noun identifying a specific encampment site during the Israelite wilderness wanderings, mentioned solely in [[Numbers 33:24]] and [[Numbers 33:25]]. Its profound significance lies in its etymological connection to H2731 (חֲרָדָה), meaning "trembling" or "fear." Thus, Haradah can be understood as the "Place of Trembling." While no specific events are recorded there, its inclusion in the divine itinerary highlights God's meticulous guidance of Israel through all stages of their journey, even through "places of fear." Theologically, Haradah serves as a poignant reminder of the human experience of fear in the face of daunting circumstances and God's unwavering presence and leading through such trials, ultimately fostering faith and dependence on Him.
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