The Hebrew word Lôd, represented by H3850, is the proper name for Lod, a place in Palestine. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The term consistently refers to a specific town, noted for its construction, its inhabitants who returned from exile, and its association with nearby settlements.
In the biblical narrative, H3850 is first identified as a town built by the sons of Elpaal, along with Ono and its surrounding towns 1 Chronicles 8:12. Later, following the Babylonian exile, the "children of Lod" are mentioned in census lists of those who returned to Judah. These accounts in Ezra and Nehemiah group the people of Lod with those from Hadid and Ono (Ezra 2:33, Nehemiah 7:37). Finally, it is located with Ono in "the valley of craftsmen," indicating its connection to a region of skilled artisans Nehemiah 11:35.
Several related words help clarify the context in which Lod is mentioned:
- H207 ʼÔwnôw (Ono, a place in Palestine): This town is mentioned in every verse that names Lod, indicating a very close geographical and administrative connection between the two settlements 1 Chronicles 8:12.
- H2307 Châdîyd (Hadid, a place in Palestine): This town is consistently listed with Lod and Ono in the records of families returning from exile, identifying them as a distinct regional group Ezra 2:33.
- H1129 bânâh (to build): This root word establishes the origin of Lod, which was built by the descendants of Elpaal 1 Chronicles 8:12.
- H1121 bên (a son): This term is used to identify the "children" or inhabitants of Lod who were part of the community that returned to their homeland after the captivity Nehemiah 7:37.
- H2798 Chărâshîym (craftsmen): Lod is situated in a valley named for this group, connecting the town's location to an area known for its artisans Nehemiah 11:35.
The historical significance of H3850 is tied to its role in Israel's history, particularly during the restoration period.
- Genealogical Marker: The town's founding is recorded within the genealogies, establishing its origins with the sons of Elpaal 1 Chronicles 8:12.
- Post-Exilic Community: Lod is significant as one of the towns whose inhabitants, the "children of Lod," were accounted for in the return from Babylon, highlighting its role in the resettlement of Judah (Ezra 2:33, Nehemiah 7:37).
- Regional Association: The consistent grouping of Lod with Ono and Hadid suggests they formed a recognized district or cluster of towns Nehemiah 7:37.
- Economic Identity: Its placement in the "valley of craftsmen" points to a local economy likely centered around skilled trades Nehemiah 11:35.
In summary, H3850 is a specific geographical place name rather than a term with abstract or theological meaning. Its appearances in scripture serve to document its history: its initial construction 1 Chronicles 8:12, the identity of its people returning from exile Ezra 2:33, and its location in a valley known for its artisans Nehemiah 11:35. The story of Lod is that of a community built, displaced, and restored, consistently identified by its connection to its neighboring towns.
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