The Hebrew word Kᵉçullôwth, represented by H3694, is a place name in Palestine. Its definition is "fattened," and it is also rendered as Chesulloth. This term is highly specific, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text.
In its sole biblical appearance, H3694 is used as a geographical marker to help define the territory of an Israelite tribe. It is listed as one of the points along a boundary line, appearing in the sequence "toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem" Joshua 19:18. This context establishes it firmly as a landmark within the promised land.
Several related words appear alongside H3694, providing geographical and thematic context:
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (border, bound, coast): This word establishes the purpose of the list in which Chesulloth appears. It is frequently used in the context of God establishing the bounds of a nation or a natural force, such as the sea Jeremiah 5:22.
- H3157 Yizrᵉʻêʼl (Jezreel): Meaning "God will sow," this is the name of a prominent place mentioned immediately before Chesulloth. Jezreel serves as a significant setting for historical and prophetic events, such as the gathering of armies in its valley Judges 6:33.
- H7766 Shûwnêm (Shunem): This town is mentioned directly after Chesulloth in the description of the border. Shunem is also noted as the place where the Philistines gathered for battle 1 Samuel 28:4 and where Elisha visited a great woman 2 Kings 4:8.
The significance of H3694 is derived almost entirely from its context within the allocation of the promised land.
- Covenant Fulfillment: The mention of Chesulloth as part of a border H1366 in the book of Joshua is direct evidence of God's fulfillment of His promise to give Israel the land. The meticulous listing of towns underscores the reality of this inheritance Joshua 19:18.
- Geographical Anchor: As a named location, Chesulloth helps anchor the biblical narrative in a tangible, physical landscape. It is situated among other well-known locations like Jezreel H3157 and Shunem H7766, which are settings for major historical events.
- Part of a Sacred Landscape: Although not a focal point itself, Chesulloth's proximity to places like Jezreel H3157, whose name carries prophetic weight ("God will sow"), places it within a geography that is central to God's redemptive plan for Israel Hosea 1:11.
In summary, H3694 Kᵉçullôwth is a specific place name whose importance is tied to its single appearance in scripture. It functions as a landmark defining a tribal border Joshua 19:18, illustrating the detailed fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land. While a minor detail, it is part of the larger biblical map that grounds the story of Israel in both history and geography.
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