כּוּן

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Kûwn, represented by H3560, identifies Chun, a place located in Syria. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse within scripture. The name is believed to mean established.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H3560 is in a historical account listing the spoils of war. David brought H3947 a great quantity of brass from Chun and from Tibhath H2880, which are described as cities H5892 belonging to Hadarezer 1 Chronicles 18:8. This brass was later used by Solomon to make H6213 significant items for the temple, including the pillars and the vessels of brass.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the event involving Chun:

• H2880 Ṭibchath: This word, meaning slaughter, is the name of Tibhath, another Syrian city mentioned alongside Chun. It was also a source of the brass David acquired 1 Chronicles 18:8.
• H5892 ʻîyr: Defined as a city or town, this word is used to classify Chun and Tibhath as captured urban centers. The word is used throughout scripture, such as in the plea for the LORD to keep the city Psalms 127:1.
• H3947 lâqach: This verb means to take in a wide variety of applications. It describes the action of David acquiring the brass from Chun 1 Chronicles 18:8. The same word is used when Job declares that "the LORD hath taken away" Job 1:21.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H3560 is tied directly to its role in the construction of Solomon's temple.

• Consecration of Spoils: The primary significance of Chun is that it was a source of materials later dedicated to the service of God. The brass taken from this city was used by Solomon to fashion sacred items for the temple 1 Chronicles 18:8.
• Provision for Worship: The narrative demonstrates God's provision for His place of worship through David's military victories. The resources from conquered cities like Chun were repurposed to build the "brasen sea" and other temple vessels.
• Fulfillment of Purpose: While Chun was a secular city, its resources were ultimately brought H3947 into Israel's history to fulfill a divine purpose in the construction of the temple, a central element of Israelite worship.

Summary

In summary, H3560 Kûwn is not a theological concept but the proper name of a specific place, Chun. Its sole mention in the Bible firmly anchors it in the historical narrative of King David's conquests. The significance of Chun lies entirely in its role as a source of the vast quantity of brass that was later used to make H6213 key furnishings for Solomon's temple, illustrating how spoils of war were consecrated for a holy purpose.