The Hebrew word Yoqthᵉʼêl, represented by H3371, is a proper name for a place, defined as "veneration of God." It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, designating one location in Palestine and another in Idumaea.
In the biblical record, H3371 is used in two distinct contexts. It first appears as a city in the territory of Judah in a geographical list Joshua 15:38. The second and more descriptive occurrence is in 2 Kings 14:7, where a city named Selah, after being taken by war from Edom, was renamed Joktheel. This act of renaming serves as a historical marker, commemorating the victory.
The narrative surrounding the renaming of Selah to Joktheel involves several key actions described by related Hebrew words:
- H5221 nâkâh (to strike... kill... smite): This word is used to describe the military action preceding the renaming, where ten thousand men of Edom were slain 2 Kings 14:7.
- H8610 tâphas (to manipulate, i.e. seize; chiefly to capture... take hold): This describes the successful capture of the city of Selah 2 Kings 14:7.
- H4421 milchâmâh (a battle... war): This term specifies the context of the capture, clarifying that Selah was taken "by war" 2 Kings 14:7.
- H7121 qârâʼ (to call out to... (give) name... proclaim): This verb describes the official act of giving the city its new name, Joktheel, signifying a change in its identity and allegiance 2 Kings 14:7.
The thematic significance of H3371 is rooted in its literal meaning, "veneration of God."
- Acknowledging Divine Aid: By renaming a conquered city Joktheel, the victor makes a public declaration that the victory was achieved through God's power. It transforms a military conquest into an act of worship.
- Memorializing God's Power: The new name serves as a permanent testimony. The phrase "unto this day" in 2 Kings 14:7 highlights that the name was intended to be a lasting reminder for future generations of God's role in the event.
- The Sovereignty of God in War: The context of taking a city by war H4421 and then naming it in God's honor reflects the biblical theme that battles ultimately belong to the Lord 2 Chronicles 20:15.
In summary, H3371 is more than just a geographical name. While it identifies specific locations, its primary significance comes from its meaning and the context of its application in 2 Kings. The renaming of a captured city to Joktheel illustrates a profound act of faith, attributing military success to God and establishing a physical landmark as a monument to His "veneration."
TRV