from סֶלַע and the plural of מַחֲלֹקֶת with the article interposed; rock of the divisions; Sela-ham-Machlekoth, a place in Palestine; Sela-hammalekoth.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term **Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth**, represented by `{{H5555}}`, identifies a specific location in Palestine known as the **Sela-hammalekoth**. The name is derived from words meaning **rock of the divisions**. It is a unique geographical marker, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The singular appearance of `{{H5555}}` is in [[1 Samuel 23:28]], where it memorializes a critical moment of deliverance for **David** `{{H1732}}`. In the narrative, King **Saul** `{{H7586}}` was **pursuing** `{{H7291}}` David and had him cornered. However, Saul was forced to **return** `{{H7725}}` from the chase and **go** `{{H3212}}` against the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` who had launched an attack. Because of this sudden and decisive separation, the narrative states that "they **called** `{{H7121}}` that **place** `{{H4725}}` Selahammahlekoth" [[1 Samuel 23:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key words from the surrounding text illuminate the meaning and context of this place name:
* `{{H7586}}` **Shâʼûwl** (Saul): The Israelite king whose pursuit of David was halted, leading to the naming of the location [[1 Samuel 23:28]].
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The one being pursued by Saul who experiences deliverance at this spot [[1 Samuel 23:28]].
* `{{H7291}}` **râdaph** (pursue): A root word that means to run after, often with hostile intent, which describes Saul's relentless hunt for David.
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (return): This verb, meaning to turn back or retreat, marks the pivotal action of Saul that gives the "rock of the divisions" its name.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5555}}` is tied directly to the event it commemorates.
* **A Monument to Deliverance:** The naming of the **place** `{{H4725}}` serves as a lasting reminder of how David was saved from Saul's grasp, not by his own strength, but by an external conflict demanding Saul's attention [[1 Samuel 23:28]].
* **The "Rock of Divisions":** The name itself is a literal description of the event. It signifies the physical separation that occurred between Saul's and David's forces and, figuratively, the division of Saul's attention between his personal obsession and his national responsibilities.
* **Providential Interruption:** The Philistine attack functions as a providential interruption. The naming of **Selahammahlekoth** freezes this moment in time, highlighting a turning point where a political crisis became the means of personal rescue for David.
### Summary
In summary, **Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth** `{{H5555}}` is not merely a word but a geographical monument within the biblical narrative. Its sole appearance in [[1 Samuel 23:28]] permanently links it to the story of David's escape from Saul. The name "rock of the divisions" perfectly encapsulates the event, symbolizing the sudden separation that spared David's life. This place name thus stands as a testament to a key moment of conflict and deliverance in Israel's history.
TRV