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.
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.
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.
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.
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