### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÊythânîym**, represented by `{{H388}}`, is the name of a month. The term is derived from the plural of a word meaning "permanent," as in "the permanent brooks," but is used in Scripture to denote a specific month of the year. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical occurrence of `{{H388}}` is found in [[1 Kings 8:2]], which records a significant national gathering. The verse states that "all the **men** `{{H376}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` **assembled** `{{H6950}}` themselves unto **king** `{{H4428}}` **Solomon** `{{H8010}}` at the **feast** `{{H2282}}` in the **month** `{{H3391}}` **Ethanim** `{{H388}}`." The passage further clarifies that this was the **seventh** `{{H7637}}` **month** `{{H2320}}`, anchoring this important event to a specific time in the Israelite calendar.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the context in which **ʼÊythânîym** appears:
* `{{H3391}}` **yerach** (month): This word, used in [[1 Kings 8:2]], refers to a **month** or a lunation. It is used elsewhere to specify the timing of key events, such as the laying of the temple's foundation in the **month** Zif [[1 Kings 6:37]].
* `{{H2320}}` **chôdesh** (month): Also translated as **month**, this word is derived from the term for "new moon." It is used in [[1 Kings 8:2]] to identify Ethanim as the seventh **month**. This term frequently marks ritually significant times, such as the Day of Atonement in the seventh **month** [[Leviticus 23:27]].
* `{{H2282}}` **chag** (feast): The assembly during Ethanim occurred at a **feast**. This term denotes a solemn festival or celebration commanded by God, such as the **feast** of unleavened bread [[Exodus 23:15]].
* `{{H7637}}` **shᵉbîyʻîy** (seventh): This ordinal number is crucial, identifying Ethanim as the **seventh** month [[1 Kings 8:2]]. The number seven holds great significance, as seen in the blessing of the **seventh** day at creation [[Genesis 2:3]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the context of `{{H388}}` points to important themes in Israel's relationship with God.
* **Sacred Time:** The naming of a specific month, **ʼÊythânîym**, underscores a calendar structured around holy events. Its identification as the **seventh** `{{H7637}}` **month** `{{H2320}}` places it within a period of major religious observances for Israel [[Leviticus 16:29]].
* **National Assembly:** The month of **ʼÊythânîym** marks a moment of national unity, when all the men of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` **assembled** `{{H6950}}` before **King** `{{H4428}}` **Solomon** `{{H8010}}` [[1 Kings 8:2]]. This links the specific time to a foundational event in the nation's history.
* **Worship and Celebration:** The gathering in **ʼÊythânîym** was for a **feast** `{{H2282}}`, a designated time of corporate worship and joy before the Lord. Feasts were established as perpetual ordinances and memorials of God's work for His people [[Exodus 12:14]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼÊythânîym** `{{H388}}` functions as a precise chronological marker for a pivotal event in the Old Testament. Though a rare term, its sole use in Scripture firmly sets the scene for the assembly of all Israel under King Solomon for a sacred feast. It serves as an example of how the biblical calendar was used to organize and commemorate the most significant moments in the nation's religious life.
TRV