### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çalkâh**, represented by `{{H5548}}`, refers to a specific place east of the Jordan River. While derived from an unused root meaning "to walk," its biblical use is exclusively as a proper name for a location. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, consistently identifying a key city or boundary in the region of Bashan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Çalkâh** (or Salchah) is established as an important city within the territory of Bashan. It is listed among the **cities** `{{H5892}}` of the **kingdom** `{{H4467}}` belonging to **Og** `{{H5747}}`, the king of Bashan [[Deuteronomy 3:10]]. The territory captured by the Israelites included "all **Bashan** `{{H1316}}` unto **Salcah**" [[Joshua 13:11]], marking it as a significant border point. Following the conquest, the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Gad** `{{H1410}}` **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` in the **land** `{{H776}}` of Bashan extending to Salchah [[1 Chronicles 5:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the geographical and political context of **Çalkâh**:
* `{{H1316}}` **Bâshân** (Bashan): This defines the broader region east of the Jordan where **Çalkâh** was located. All scriptural references place **Salchah** `{{H5548}}` within **Bashan** `{{H1316}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:10]].
* `{{H5747}}` **ʻÔwg** (Og): The king who **reigned** `{{H4910}}` over Bashan. **Çalkâh** was a city within the domain of **Og** `{{H5747}}` before its conquest by Israel [[Joshua 12:5]].
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border): This term for a boundary highlights the role of **Çalkâh** as a geographical limit. The conquered territory is described as extending "unto the **border** `{{H1366}}` of the Geshurites and the Maachathites" from places including **Salcah** `{{H5548}}` [[Joshua 12:5]].
* `{{H154}}` **ʼedreʻîy** (Edrei): Another prominent city in Bashan. **Edrei** `{{H154}}` is mentioned alongside **Salchah** `{{H5548}}` as one of the **cities** `{{H5892}}` of Og's kingdom [[Deuteronomy 3:10]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical significance of `{{H5548}}` is tied to the Israelite conquest and settlement of the Transjordan.
* **Boundary of Og's Kingdom:** **Çalkâh** served as a key marker for the extent of the kingdom of **Og** `{{H5747}}`, which also included all of **Bashan** `{{H1316}}` and **mount** `{{H2022}}` **Hermon** `{{H2768}}` [[Joshua 12:5]].
* **Limit of Tribal Allotment:** It defined the eastern reach of the territory inhabited by the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Gad** `{{H1410}}`, demonstrating the fulfillment of the land distribution east of the Jordan [[1 Chronicles 5:11]].
* **Marker of Conquest:** The name consistently appears in summaries of the lands taken by Israel before crossing the Jordan, solidifying its place in the history of the conquest of the Amorite kings ([[Deuteronomy 3:10]], [[Joshua 13:11]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5548}}` **Çalkâh** is a geographical anchor in the Old Testament narrative. Though mentioned only a few times, it plays a crucial role in defining the boundaries of **Bashan** `{{H1316}}`. It represents a tangible point on the map of the Israelite conquest, first as a city of **Og's** `{{H5747}}` kingdom and later as a boundary for the land settled by the tribe of **Gad** `{{H1410}}`. Its presence helps frame the scope and reality of the territories captured and possessed by Israel east of the Jordan.
TRV