The Hebrew word Lachmâç, represented by H3903, refers to Lahmam or Lachmas, a place in Palestine. The name is potentially derived from a root meaning food-like and may be an erroneous transcription for another term. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, indicating its role as a specific geographical marker.
The single biblical reference to H3903 occurs in a list of cities located in the Shephelah, or lowland, region of Judah. In the book of Joshua, it is named as part of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah. The verse simply lists it alongside other towns: "And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish" Joshua 15:40, providing a geographical record rather than a narrative context.
The context of H3903 connects it directly to the other cities listed in the same verse:
- H3522 Kabbôwn: Meaning hilly, this is the name of a place in Palestine called Cabbon. It is listed immediately before Lahmam in the record of Judah's inheritance Joshua 15:40.
- H3798 Kithlîysh: Meaning wall of a man, this is the name of a place in Palestine called Kithlish. It is listed directly after Lahmam, completing the trio of cities mentioned in that part of the verse Joshua 15:40.
The significance of H3903 is primarily historical and geographical rather than theological. Its inclusion in Scripture serves to document the fulfillment of God's promise regarding the land.
- Territorial Allotment: Its presence in Joshua 15:40 helps to define the precise boundaries and settlements of the tribe of Judah, underscoring the orderly division of the promised land.
- Historical Record: The mention of Lahmam provides a concrete detail that grounds the biblical account in a specific time and place.
- Geographical Context: Being listed with Cabbon and Kithlish provides a geographical cluster that aids in understanding the settlement patterns within a specific region of Judah.
In summary, H3903 is the proper name of a town, Lahmam. Its sole appearance in the Bible is in Joshua 15:40, where it functions as a geographical and historical data point. While not carrying overt theological weight on its own, its inclusion is significant as part of the larger scriptural record detailing the fulfillment of the land covenant to the tribes of Israel.
TRV