from סֶלַע and the plural of מַחֲלֹקֶת with the article interposed; rock of the divisions; Sela-ham-Machlekoth, a place in Palestine; Sela-hammalekoth.
Transliteration:Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth
Pronunciation:seh'-lah hammakh-lek-oth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase סֶלַע הַמַּחְלְקוֹת (Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth), transliterated as Sela-ham-Machlekoth, is a compound proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its etymology reveals its core meaning: it is derived from `{{H5553}}` (סֶלַע, *selaʻ*), meaning "rock" or "cliff," and the plural form of `{{H4256}}` (מַחֲלֹקֶת, *machlōqet*), meaning "division," "course," or "class," with the definite article (הַ, *ha*) interposed. Thus, the name literally translates to "the rock of the divisions."
This name is highly descriptive, pointing to a specific event or characteristic associated with the location. The term "divisions" here does not refer to geological fissures in the rock itself, but rather to a separation, diversion, or splitting of paths, particularly in a strategic or providential sense. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific location and the historical event it commemorates.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth (H5555) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Samuel:
* [[1 Samuel 23:28]]: "So Saul returned from pursuing David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Divisions."
This singular occurrence is highly significant, as the verse itself provides the etiological explanation for the name. The context is a critical moment in David's life, during his flight from King Saul. David and his men are cornered by Saul's forces in the wilderness of Maon. Saul is on the verge of capturing David, having encircled him. At this precise moment of extreme peril for David, a messenger arrives, informing Saul that the Philistines are raiding the land. This urgent news compels Saul to abandon his pursuit of David immediately and turn his attention to defending his kingdom against the Philistines.
The name "Rock of Divisions" thus commemorates this pivotal event: it was the place where Saul's pursuit was decisively "divided" or "diverted" by divine providence. The immediate and pressing threat from the Philistines created a necessary "division" in Saul's focus and strategy, allowing David to escape.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding H5555 is enhanced by examining its constituent parts and associated biblical themes:
* **`{{H5553}}` (סֶלַע, *selaʻ* - rock, cliff):** This word is frequently used in the Old Testament, often symbolizing strength, refuge, and stability. Metaphorically, God Himself is often referred to as a "Rock" (e.g., "my rock and my fortress"). In this instance, Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth is a literal rock formation that serves as a temporary, precarious refuge for David, but more profoundly, it becomes a monument to God's ultimate refuge and deliverance.
* **`{{H4256}}` (מַחֲלֹקֶת, *machlōqet* - division, course, class):** While this word can refer to administrative divisions (e.g., priestly courses in [[1 Chronicles 24:1]]), in the context of H5555, it carries the sense of a decisive separation or diversion. It speaks to a splitting of paths or a change in direction, directly reflecting the interruption of Saul's pursuit.
* **Divine Providence:** The narrative at Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth is a powerful illustration of God's active and timely intervention in human affairs. It highlights how God can orchestrate seemingly coincidental events (the Philistine raid) to achieve His sovereign purposes, protecting His chosen servant.
* **Deliverance:** The event at the "Rock of Divisions" is a dramatic act of deliverance for David, underscoring God's faithfulness to preserve His anointed one from the hand of his enemies.
* **Persecution and Refuge:** The account is set against the backdrop of Saul's relentless persecution of David. Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth represents a moment when David's desperate need for refuge was met by divine intervention, not merely by a physical hiding place.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth (H5555) lies primarily in its testimony to the meticulous and active providence of God. The name "Rock of Divisions" serves as an enduring memorial to a divine intervention that literally "divided" the path of David's pursuer, King Saul.
1. **God's Sovereignty in Crisis:** This episode powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over human events, even those seemingly random or external (like a Philistine raid). At the very brink of David's capture, God intervenes precisely when human means of escape seem exhausted. This underscores that God is never constrained by circumstances but can manipulate them to achieve His will.
2. **Protection of the Anointed:** The event at Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth is a clear affirmation of God's unwavering commitment to protect His chosen servant, David. Despite Saul's determined efforts and superior military might, God ensures David's survival, preserving the lineage and the future king through whom the Messiah would come. It reinforces the theological truth that God's plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human opposition.
3. **Divine Timing:** The intervention is marked by perfect divine timing. The messenger arrives exactly when David is cornered, preventing his capture by a mere hair's breadth. This illustrates God's meticulous care and His ability to act decisively at the most critical junctures.
4. **A Place of Remembrance:** The naming of the place solidifies its role as a *locus* of divine faithfulness. It is a physical marker that perpetually reminds future generations of God's powerful and specific intervention, transforming a place of imminent danger into a monument to deliverance.
### Summary
Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth (H5555), meaning "the rock of the divisions," is a unique and profoundly significant geographical name in the Hebrew Bible. Appearing solely in [[1 Samuel 23:28]], it commemorates a pivotal moment of divine intervention in the life of David. As King Saul was on the verge of capturing David in the wilderness of Maon, God providentially caused a Philistine invasion, forcing Saul to abandon his pursuit and creating a "division" in his plans, thus saving David.
This place name serves as a powerful testament to God's active sovereignty, His precise timing, and His unwavering commitment to protect His chosen servants. It highlights how God works through seemingly coincidental external events to achieve His purposes, ensuring the preservation of His anointed one and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The "Rock of Divisions" stands as an enduring monument to God's faithful deliverance in times of extreme peril.
TRV