The Hebrew word Çûwr, represented by H5495, refers to Sur, a gate of the temple. The term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use identifies it as a specific, named location, likely a gate of the temple complex in Jerusalem.
The sole appearance of H5495 is in 2 Kings 11:6, where it marks a strategic position for the temple guard. The instruction is given to station a third of the guard at the gate of Sur as part of a larger plan to keep H8104 the watch H4931 of the house H1004 of the Lord. This context establishes Sur not just as an architectural feature, but as a critical point of defense to ensure the temple would not be broken down H4535.
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify the function and importance of the gate of Sur:
- H8179 shaʻar (gate): This word defines what Sur is, "an opening, i.e. door or gate." It is the physical structure through which access to a secured area is controlled, and its protection is vital for the security of a city or temple Psalms 147:13.
- H1004 bayith (house): This indicates the building that Sur's gate protected. The term is used broadly for a dwelling, palace, or family, but in this context, it specifically refers to the temple, the house of the Lord (2 Kings 20:5, Psalms 27:4).
- H8104 shâmar (keep): This verb describes the action taking place at the gate. It means to "hedge about... i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to." This action is central to the passage, linking the physical location of Sur to the act of divine and human protection Psalms 127:1.
- H4931 mishmereth (watch): This term defines the duty performed at the gate. It can mean the act of custody, a sentry, or figuratively, an observance or duty, tying the guarding of the gate to a charge given by God (Genesis 26:5, Zechariah 3:7).
The significance of H5495 is tied directly to its role in the protection of a sacred space.
- Strategic Defense of the Temple: The mention of Sur highlights the practical and spiritual importance of guarding God's house. Its placement in a detailed defensive plan shows that protecting the physical temple was a high priority 2 Kings 11:6.
- A Point of Faithfulness: The stationing of guards at the gate of Sur was part of fulfilling the watch H4931 of the Lord's house. This connects the location to the broader biblical theme of keeping God's charge and commandments as an act of faithfulness Deuteronomy 11:1.
- Maintaining Sacred Space: As an entrance to the house H1004 of the Lord, the gate of Sur was a threshold between the profane and the holy. Guarding it was essential to preserving the sanctity of the place where God's presence was understood to dwell Psalms 27:4.
In summary, while Çûwr H5495 appears only once, its context is highly informative. It is not merely a name on a map but a key location in the biblical narrative of protecting the temple. Its importance is derived from its function as a gate H8179 to the house H1004 of the Lord, a place that required a faithful watch H4931 to be kept. The singular reference in 2 Kings 11:6 solidifies its place as a marker of sacred defense and duty.
TRV