### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chethlôn**, represented by `{{H2855}}`, is a proper name meaning **enswathed**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. It is not a term used for people or concepts, but exclusively refers to a specific place in Palestine known as Hethlon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2855}}` is found only in the prophecies of Ezekiel where it serves as a key geographical marker. It is used to define the northern **border** `{{H1366}}` of the land that will be allotted to the tribes of Israel. In both instances, it is mentioned as part of a route: "the **way** `{{H1870}}` of Hethlon" [[Ezekiel 47:15]]. This path is described as the course one would take when heading toward other northern locations like Zedad and **Hamath** `{{H2574}}`, establishing Hethlon's place within the specific divine blueprint for the land [[Ezekiel 48:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide geographic context for Hethlon's location and purpose:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border, bound, coast): This word defines a boundary or the territory enclosed. It is used in the description of Hethlon's location and also in the prayer of Jabez to enlarge his **coast** [[1 Chronicles 4:10]].
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (way, road, path): This term signifies a road or a course of action. Hethlon is located along a specific **way** [[Ezekiel 47:15]], and the term is also used figuratively, such as turning from wicked **ways** [[2 Chronicles 7:14]].
* `{{H2574}}` **Chămâth** (Hamath): A walled city in Syria often mentioned as a northern landmark. The path from Hethlon is described as the way one **goeth** `{{H935}}` to **Hamath** [[Ezekiel 48:1]], highlighting their geographical relationship.
* `{{H6828}}` **tsâphôwn** (north): This word, meaning dark or hidden, is used for the northern quarter. Hethlon is explicitly situated on the **north** side of the promised land's border [[Ezekiel 47:15]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2855}}` is entirely geographical, anchoring Ezekiel's vision to a tangible map.
* **Precise Boundary Marker:** Hethlon's primary function is to serve as a specific landmark defining the northern **border** `{{H1366}}` of the land promised by God ([[Ezekiel 47:15]], [[Ezekiel 48:1]]).
* **Part of a Divine Plan:** Its inclusion in the detailed allotment for the tribes of Israel shows that even minor locations are part of God's specific and orderly plan for His people's inheritance.
* **A Known Route:** The phrase "the **way** `{{H1870}}` of Hethlon" indicates it was on a recognized path connecting the land of Israel to territories in the **north** `{{H6828}}`, such as **Hamath** `{{H2574}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2855}}` is a specific and important geographical reference point. Though appearing only twice, Chethlon plays a crucial role in the book of Ezekiel by giving a concrete location for the northern boundary of the land promised to Israel. It demonstrates the detailed and precise nature of God's prophetic instructions, grounding a grand spiritual vision in real-world geography.
TRV