from an unused root. meaning to walk; walking; Salcah, a place East of the Jordan; Salcah, Salchah.
Transliteration:Çalkâh
Pronunciation:sal-kaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5548}}` (Çalkâh) is primarily a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its base definition indicates derivation from an "unused root" meaning "to walk" or "walking." While the root itself is not attested elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible, this etymological note suggests a possible semantic nuance related to movement, a thoroughfare, or a place where people traversed. However, its primary and almost exclusive semantic function in biblical texts is as a fixed geographical marker, specifically a town or region located east of the Jordan River.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5548}}` appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently serving as a key geographical reference point for the eastern or northeastern extent of Israelite territory in Transjordan.
1. **[[Deuteronomy 3:10]]**: In the account of the conquest of Og, king of Bashan, Salcah is identified as the easternmost boundary of Og's kingdom: "all Bashan as far as Salcah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan." This verse establishes Salcah's position as a significant marker delineating the conquered land.
2. **[[Joshua 12:5]]**: Echoing the description in Deuteronomy, Joshua lists Salcah as part of the territory of Og, king of Bashan, stating his "territory extended from Mount Hermon to Salcah." This reiterates its function as a crucial boundary marker, signifying the full breadth of the land taken from Og.
3. **[[Joshua 13:11]]**: When describing the inheritance allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Salcah is again cited as the boundary of their territory in Bashan: "and all Bashan, the whole kingdom of Og, who reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei, that is, the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh; and their territory extended to Salcah." Here, Salcah defines the eastern limit of tribal possession.
4. **[[1 Chronicles 5:11]]**: In the genealogical record of the Gadites, Salcah marks the eastern extent of their settlement: "The Gadites lived opposite them in the land of Bashan as far as Salcah." This demonstrates its enduring significance as a recognized geographical limit for Israelite settlement in the Transjordanian region.
Across all occurrences, Salcah consistently denotes a distant eastern or northeastern boundary, emphasizing the vastness of the territory conquered and distributed to the Israelite tribes. Its repeated mention underscores its importance as a well-known geographical landmark in the ancient Near East.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that `{{H5548}}` is a proper noun derived from an "unused root," direct lexical cognates are not readily identifiable. However, conceptually, Salcah is intrinsically linked to:
* **Geographical Boundaries**: It functions alongside other place names like Edrei, Ashtaroth, and Mount Hermon, which collectively define the extent of conquered territories and tribal inheritances.
* **Conquest and Inheritance**: It is a tangible marker of the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land, specifically the Transjordanian territories of Bashan and Gilead. This connects it to the broader themes of divine provision and covenant faithfulness.
* **Transjordanian Topography**: Salcah is situated within the region of Bashan, a fertile and strategically important area east of the Jordan River. Its mention helps to delineate the scope of Israelite dominion in this region.
* **Movement/Journey**: While the root is unused, the suggested meaning "to walk" or "walking" might subtly connect it to the concept of journeying or the establishment of routes, given its position as a boundary marker that might have been reached through travel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5548}}` (Salcah) is primarily derived from its consistent role as a geographical boundary marker within the narrative of Israel's land acquisition.
1. **Fulfillment of Divine Promise**: Salcah's repeated mention as the easternmost boundary of the conquered territories of Og and the allotted lands for the tribes (Manasseh, Gad) serves as concrete evidence of God's faithfulness. It demonstrates that the Lord delivered on His promise to give Abraham's descendants a vast land, extending their dominion far beyond the immediate vicinity of the Jordan River. The reach "as far as Salcah" underscores the comprehensive nature of God's provision.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Control**: The precise delineation of boundaries, including distant points like Salcah, highlights God's sovereign control over nations and their territories. He is the one who gives and takes away kingdoms, orchestrating the conquest and distribution of land to His chosen people.
3. **Establishment of Israel's Inheritance**: Salcah represents a tangible part of Israel's divinely ordained inheritance. Its inclusion in the tribal allotments emphasizes God's meticulous care in providing for each segment of His people, establishing their secure dwelling within the promised land. It is a testament to God's order and provision.
4. **Scope of God's Deliverance**: The fact that Israel's dominion stretched to Salcah indicates the breadth and success of God's deliverance from their enemies, securing a vast and fertile land for their dwelling.
### Summary
`{{H5548}}` (Çalkâh) is a significant Hebrew proper noun, denoting a specific geographical location east of the Jordan River. Though its etymological root suggesting "walking" is unused elsewhere, its primary function in the biblical text is as a crucial eastern or northeastern boundary marker. Appearing consistently in [[Deuteronomy 3:10]], [[Joshua 12:5]], [[Joshua 13:11]], and [[1 Chronicles 5:11]], Salcah delineates the extent of the territory conquered from Og, king of Bashan, and subsequently allotted to the Israelite tribes of Manasseh and Gad. Theologically, Salcah serves as a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, His sovereign control over the land and nations, and His meticulous provision in establishing Israel's vast inheritance. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance and the tangible scope of the land He bestowed upon His people.
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