### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çelaʻ**, represented by `{{H5554}}`, refers to **Sela**, the rock-city of Idumaea. According to its base definition, it signifies a rock or a specific fortified city. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, marking it as a significant, though infrequent, geographical location in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two biblical occurrences of `{{H5554}}` place it at the center of significant national events. In [[2 Kings 14:7]], **Selah** is depicted as a strategic military objective that was **taken** `{{H8610}}` from Edom by **war** `{{H4421}}`. This act of conquest resulted in the slaying of ten thousand Edomites and the renaming of the city. Conversely, in [[Isaiah 16:1]], **Sela** is the point of origin for a tribute, where a lamb is to be **sent** `{{H7971}}` to the **ruler** `{{H4910}}` of the land at Mount Zion, signifying an act of submission or appeal.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the context of its appearances help illuminate the meaning surrounding **Sela**:
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This word, used for the slaying of the Edomites during Sela's capture [[2 Kings 14:7]], broadly means to strike, kill, or **smite**. It is used to describe divine judgment, as when God promises to **smite** the earth with a curse [[Malachi 4:6]].
* `{{H8610}}` **tâphas** (to seize): This term describes the capture of Sela [[2 Kings 14:7]]. Its meaning extends from physical capture, like laying **hold** on a person [[1 Kings 13:4]], to handling concepts, such as when priests **handle** the law [[Jeremiah 2:8]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (war): Sela was taken by **war** [[2 Kings 14:7]]. This word denotes **battle** and warfare in general, whether between nations [[Deuteronomy 20:1]] or as a spiritual reality where the **battle** belongs to God [[2 Chronicles 20:15]].
* `{{H7971}}` **shâlach** (to send): A tribute is **sent** from Sela in [[Isaiah 16:1]]. This root is used for sending people or things, including God putting **forth** his hand [[Jeremiah 1:9]] or **sending** his word to heal [[Psalms 107:20]].
* `{{H4910}}` **mâshal** (to rule): The tribute from Sela is directed to the **ruler** of the land [[Isaiah 16:1]]. This term for having dominion applies to human authority, such as a husband over his wife [[Genesis 3:16]], and to God, who **reignest** over all [[1 Chronicles 29:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5554}}` is derived from its role as a setting for divine and human interaction.
* **A Place of Judgment and Conquest:** The capture of **Sela** in [[2 Kings 14:7]] demonstrates a moment of divinely-ordained victory and judgment upon Edom. The act of taking the city "by **war**" `{{H4421}}` establishes it as a location where national destinies are decided through conflict.
* **A Symbol of Submission to Authority:** In [[Isaiah 16:1]], **Sela** is a place from which tribute is **sent** `{{H7971}}` to the **ruler** `{{H4910}}` in Zion. This transforms the location from a site of resistance to one of supplication and acknowledgment of a higher power, in this case, the authority established in Zion.
### Summary
In summary, **Çelaʻ** `{{H5554}}` is more than just a place name; it is a geographic anchor for key biblical events. Though it appears only twice, it serves as a powerful symbol. It represents a stronghold subject to earthly conquest and divine judgment, as seen in its capture from Edom. It also functions as a place of submission, from which tribute is paid to a rightful ruler, illustrating the shifting political and spiritual allegiances of the nations in the scriptural record.
TRV