from כּוּר and עָשָׁן; furnace of smoke; Cor-Ashan, a place in Palestine; Chorashan.
Transliteration:Kôwr ʻÂshân
Pronunciation:kore aw-shawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3565}}`, transliterated as *Kôwr ʻÂshân* and rendered as "Chorashan" or "Cor-Ashan," is a proper noun denoting a specific geographical location. Its meaning is derived from its two constituent parts: כּוּר (*kûwr*, `{{H3564}}`), meaning "furnace," "smelting pot," or "kiln," and עָשָׁן (*ʻâshân*, `{{H6227}}`), meaning "smoke." Thus, the compound name literally translates to "furnace of smoke" or "smoky furnace." As a place name, its semantic range is fixed, serving primarily to identify a particular town or region within ancient Israel. While the etymology suggests an area perhaps known for industrial activity like metalworking or pottery (hence a furnace) that produced smoke, or a natural feature that emitted smoke, the term itself does not carry a broader conceptual meaning beyond its geographical designation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H3565}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of 1 Samuel:
* [[1 Samuel 30:30]]: "and to those who were in Chorashan, and to those who were in Athach, and to those who were in Hebron,"
* Context: This verse is part of a list of places to which David sent portions of the spoils recovered from the Amalekites after their raid on Ziklag. David's act of distributing the plunder to various towns and elders of Judah served multiple purposes: it was an act of gratitude and solidarity with those who had supported him or were part of his tribal network, a demonstration of his leadership, and a strategic move to solidify his future kingship over Judah. Chorashan is listed among other towns such as Hormah, Bor-ashan (possibly a variant or related place), Athach, and Hebron, indicating its recognition as a significant settlement within or near the territory of Judah or Simeon during that period. The precise location of Chorashan is not definitively known today, but its inclusion in this list places it within the southern part of ancient Israel, likely in the Negev or Shephelah region.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H3565}}` is intrinsically linked to its component parts:
* כּוּר (*kûwr*, `{{H3564}}`): This word frequently appears in contexts related to metallurgy, referring to a crucible or furnace for refining precious metals (e.g., [[Proverbs 17:3]], [[Proverbs 27:21]]). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a place or process of severe testing or affliction, as in the "furnace of affliction" ([[Isaiah 48:10]]).
* עָשָׁן (*ʻâshân*, `{{H6227}}`): "Smoke" is a common biblical motif. It is often associated with the manifestation of God's presence (e.g., the smoke on Mount Sinai, [[Exodus 19:18]]), divine judgment or wrath (e.g., [[Isaiah 34:10]], [[Psalm 18:8]]), or the aftermath of destruction.
While `{{H3565}}` itself functions purely as a geographical indicator, the imagery evoked by "furnace of smoke" resonates with these deeper biblical themes. The name might have literally described a local feature or industry, but it also carries connotations of intense heat, transformation, or even divine activity, albeit indirectly through its constituent elements.
### Theological Significance
As a proper place name, `{{H3565}}` does not carry direct theological doctrine. However, its inclusion in the biblical narrative, particularly in [[1 Samuel 30:30]], contributes to several theological and historical themes:
* **Divine Providence and Victory:** The distribution of spoils by David, including to Chorashan, is a direct result of God's intervention in granting David victory over the Amalekites. It underscores the theme that God provides for His people and empowers His chosen leaders.
* **Davidic Kingship and Administration:** David's act of sharing the spoils demonstrates his burgeoning leadership and administrative wisdom. It illustrates his care for the communities within his sphere of influence, laying groundwork for his future reign over Judah and all Israel. This act of generosity and justice reflects a king who understands his responsibility to his people.
* **The Land of Promise:** The mention of Chorashan, alongside other towns, paints a picture of the geographical landscape of the Promised Land during the period of the judges and the early monarchy. It reminds the reader of the specific places and communities that formed the fabric of ancient Israel, emphasizing the tangible reality of God's covenant with His people and the land He gave them.
* **Symbolic Resonance (Indirect):** While speculative, the name "Furnace of Smoke" could subtly evoke the imagery of refinement or judgment. Given that כּוּר often signifies a crucible of testing, and עָשָׁן is linked to divine presence or judgment, the name, even if purely descriptive of a physical place, might carry a faint echo of the trials and transformative processes inherent in Israel's history and God's dealings with His people.
### Summary
`{{H3565}}`, *Kôwr ʻÂshân*, is a unique Hebrew proper noun meaning "furnace of smoke," referring to a specific place called Chorashan in ancient Israel. It appears only once in the Bible, in [[1 Samuel 30:30]], where it is listed among the towns to which David sent portions of the spoils recovered from the Amalekites. This solitary occurrence primarily serves a geographical and historical purpose, illustrating David's administrative actions and the network of communities in Judah. While its direct theological significance is limited as a place name, its etymology, derived from words meaning "furnace" (`{{H3564}}`) and "smoke" (`{{H6227}}`), subtly connects it to broader biblical themes of testing, refinement, divine presence, and judgment. As a recipient of David's generosity, Chorashan plays a minor yet illustrative role in the narrative of David's rise to kingship and his just leadership.
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