the same as סֶלַע; Sela, the rock-city of Idumaea; rock, Sela(-h).
Transliteration:Çelaʻ
Pronunciation:seh'-lah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5554}}` (Çelaʻ) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating the ancient capital city of Edom. Its etymology is crucial to understanding its meaning, as it is derived directly from the common Hebrew noun `{{H5553}}` (selaʻ), which means "rock," "crag," or "cliff." Thus, the name "Sela" inherently describes the city's formidable geographical setting: a settlement built into or upon a towering, inaccessible rock formation. This immediately conveys a sense of natural strength, impregnability, and strategic advantage due to its defensive position. While `{{H5554}}` specifically refers to the city, its underlying meaning is deeply rooted in the concept of a massive, unyielding rock.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5554}}` appears in several significant biblical passages, consistently highlighting its identity as a powerful Edomite stronghold:
* **[[2 Kings 14:7]]**: This verse records King Amaziah of Judah's military triumph over Edom, where he captured Sela and renamed it Joktheel. "He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Sela by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day." This account underscores Sela's status as a key Edomite city, the capture of which signified a decisive victory over the nation. Its capture, despite its renowned defenses, serves as a testament to Judah's military strength under divine favor.
* **[[Isaiah 16:1]]**: In this prophetic oracle concerning Moab, Sela is mentioned as a point of origin: "Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion." While the precise interpretation is debated (whether it refers to a tribute, a refuge, or a path of flight), it places Sela within the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, associating it with the region of Edom/Moab.
* **Implied Reference in [[Obadiah 1:3]]**: Although `{{H5554}}` is not explicitly used, the prophet Obadiah's condemnation of Edom powerfully alludes to Sela's natural defenses: "The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?" The phrase "clefts of the rock" (חַגְוֵי הַסֶּלַע - *chagvei ha-sela*) directly employs `{{H5553}}` (selaʻ) and is widely understood to refer to the rock-hewn dwellings and fortifications characteristic of Sela (later known as Petra). This context highlights Edom's overconfidence and pride rooted in its seemingly unassailable natural fortress.
Across these contexts, Sela is consistently portrayed as a symbol of Edomite strength, security, and, ultimately, the target of divine judgment due to the nation's pride.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H5553}}` (selaʻ), the common noun for "rock," "crag," or "cliff," from which the city's name is derived. This etymological connection is vital, as it grounds the proper noun in a tangible physical reality.
Other related concepts include:
* **`{{H6697}}` (Tsur):** Another significant Hebrew word for "rock," often used metaphorically to describe God as a refuge, strength, or foundation (e.g., "the Rock of Israel"). While `{{H5553}}` (selaʻ) often emphasizes jagged, inaccessible cliffs, `{{H6697}}` (tsur) can be a broader term for a rock or boulder. The distinct uses of these terms can sometimes highlight different aspects of "rockiness."
* **Edom/Idumaea:** Sela is inextricably linked to the nation of Edom. Its history and prophetic destiny are intertwined with those of its capital city. The pride and fall of Edom, as detailed in prophetic books, often center on its reliance on its impregnable fortresses like Sela.
* **Fortress/Stronghold:** The very nature of Sela as a "rock-city" implies its function as a natural fortress, a place of defense and security. This concept is central to understanding its significance in ancient warfare and geopolitics.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5554}}` (Sela) is profound, particularly when viewed through the lens of divine sovereignty and human pride:
1. **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty Over Human Strength:** The capture of Sela by Amaziah in [[2 Kings 14:7]] serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty. Despite its formidable natural defenses, Sela was not immune to conquest when it was God's will. This illustrates that no human stronghold, no matter how impregnable, can ultimately withstand the divine decree. It underscores the biblical principle that human power and security are always subject to God's overarching plan.
2. **The Folly of Pride in Self-Reliance:** The prophetic denunciations of Edom, particularly in [[Obadiah 1:3]], use Sela (or the "clefts of the rock") as a symbol of Edomite arrogance. Their pride stemmed from their seemingly unassailable dwelling, leading them to believe they were beyond reproach or defeat. The downfall of Edom and its capital, therefore, serves as a stark warning against human pride and self-reliance, emphasizing that true security is found not in physical fortifications but in dependence upon God.
3. **Contrast with the Divine Rock:** The biblical tradition frequently employs the metaphor of "rock" (using both `{{H5553}}` and `{{H6697}}`) to describe God as an unshakeable refuge, a source of strength, and a faithful foundation. Sela, as a *physical* rock upon which humans relied for security, ultimately failed. This provides a striking contrast: the "rock" of human making and human pride crumbles, while the divine "Rock" (God) remains eternally steadfast and true, the only reliable source of salvation and security.
### Summary
`{{H5554}}` (Çelaʻ) is the proper name of the ancient Edomite capital, a city whose very name, derived from `{{H5553}}` (selaʻ - "rock"), signifies its formidable natural defenses. Biblical occurrences highlight its strategic importance as a powerful stronghold, notably its capture by King Amaziah of Judah, and its symbolic representation of Edomite pride in prophetic literature. Theologically, Sela serves as a potent illustration of the futility of human reliance on physical strength and natural fortifications in the face of divine judgment. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His capacity to humble the proud. Furthermore, Sela stands in stark contrast to the biblical metaphor of God as the true, unshakeable Rock, emphasizing that ultimate security is found only in divine faithfulness, not in human-made or naturally occurring strongholds.
TRV