The Hebrew word ʻĂdîythayim, represented by H5723, is a place name in Palestine meaning double prey. Derived as the dual of a feminine form, its name is Adithajim. The word appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text, marking it as a highly specific geographical reference.
The sole appearance of H5723 is in the book of Joshua, as part of a detailed list of territories allotted to the tribes of Israel. It is named among the fourteen cities H5892 with their villages H2691 given to the tribe of Judah in the lowlands Joshua 15:36. Its inclusion in this specific list serves to define the precise boundaries and settlements of Judah's inheritance as promised by God.
Several related words appear alongside H5723 in its only context, helping to define the nature of the settlement:
- H8189 Shaʻărayim (double gates; Shaarajim, a place in Palestine; Shaaraim): Another place name, also a dual form, listed immediately before Adithaim Joshua 15:36.
- H1453 Gᵉdêrôthayim (double wall; Gederothajim, a place in Palestine; Gederothaim): This place name, also a dual form, is listed in the same verse, signifying a fortified location Joshua 15:36.
- H5892 ʻîyr (a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense): This word categorizes Adithaim as one of the established cities within the territory Joshua 15:36.
- H2691 châtsêr (a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet): This term specifies that the listed cities, including Adithaim, had associated villages or hamlets Joshua 15:36.
The significance of H5723 is rooted in its geographical and covenantal context rather than direct theological teaching.
- Covenant Fulfillment: The inclusion of Adithaim in the official register of cities for Judah serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the tribes of Israel.
- Geographical Marker: It functions as a precise geographical point, demonstrating the detailed and organized nature of the land distribution recorded in scripture Joshua 15:36.
- Historical Record: Its presence anchors the biblical narrative in a real-world, historical context, listing it alongside other known locations such as Shaʻărayim H8189 and Gᵉdêrâh H1449.
In summary, ʻĂdîythayim H5723 is a specific place name whose importance is tied to its single mention in the Bible. It is not a term with broad theological application but is significant as part of the detailed record of the Israelite settlement of the promised land. Its appearance in the list of Judah's cities confirms the historical and geographical specificity of the covenant fulfillment described in the book of Joshua.
TRV