### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çûwph**, represented by `{{H5489}}`, is used to identify the **Red Sea**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. The base definition explains that it is used for סוּף by an ellipsis of יָם (yam, meaning 'sea'), and is defined as the Reed (Sea), or **Red Sea**. Its singular appearance marks a specific geographical point in the narrative of Israel's journey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H5489}}` is found in [[Deuteronomy 1:1]], which establishes the setting for Moses' final discourse to the nation of Israel. The verse states, "These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the **Red** sea." This usage serves as a precise geographical marker, situating the Israelites at a specific location at a pivotal moment before they were to enter the promised land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H5489}}`'s single appearance is illuminated by other key words in the same verse:
* `{{H4872}}` **Môsheh**: The proper name for **Moses**, the Israelite lawgiver. He is the one speaking the words near the Red Sea, and his role as God's spokesman was divinely appointed [[Exodus 3:14]].
* `{{H3478}}` **Yisrâʼêl**: This refers to the people of **Israel**, the descendants of Jacob. They are the audience for the speech given at this location, reminded of their covenant relationship with God [[Jeremiah 31:33]].
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr**: Translated as **wilderness** or desert, this describes the setting of Israel's journey. The wilderness was a place of divine guidance and trial, where God led His people to humble and prove them [[Deuteronomy 8:2]].
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the theological weight of `{{H5489}}` comes from its specific context in [[Deuteronomy 1:1]]:
* **Anchoring Divine Revelation:** The mention of the **Red Sea** serves to geographically anchor the "words" `{{H1697}}` of God delivered through Moses. This location marks the spot where Israel received the summation of the law, emphasizing that God's revelation occurs in concrete history. The reliability of what God has "spoken" `{{H1696}}` is a recurring theme [[Numbers 23:19]].
* **Marking a Transitional Point:** The location "over against the Red sea" places Israel at a critical juncture. They are positioned near a landmark of their past while being "on this side Jordan" (`{{H5676}}`, `{{H3383}}`), poised to cross over and possess their inheritance [[Deuteronomy 32:47]].
* **A Symbol of the Completed Journey:** By situating this final address near the **Red Sea**, the narrative marks the conclusion of the forty-year trek in the "wilderness" `{{H4057}}`. It frames the subsequent discourse as a final preparation based on the entire history of God's leadership, which Israel was commanded to remember [[Deuteronomy 8:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5489}}` **Çûwph** is a specific geographical term for the **Red Sea**. Its singular appearance in scripture is powerful, grounding the extensive legal and historical recapitulation in the book of Deuteronomy to a precise time and place. It is more than a simple landmark; it is the backdrop for one of the most significant transitional moments in Israel's history, highlighting the spot where the nation paused to hear from God through Moses before claiming their inheritance.
TRV