### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻÊyṭâm**, represented by `{{H5862}}`, refers to a place in Palestine, with a base definition of "hawk-ground." It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses** of the Old Testament. Though its usage is infrequent, it is depicted as a fortified city, a rocky refuge, and a marker of lineage, indicating its significance in various contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5862}}` is mentioned in several key contexts. It is listed as one of the cities built by Rehoboam, alongside Bethlehem and Tekoa [[2 Chronicles 11:6]]. It also features prominently in the story of Samson, who, after a great slaughter of the Philistines, "dwelt in the top of the rock **Etam**" [[Judges 15:8]]. This location served as a stronghold, as three thousand men of Judah later went to the "rock **Etam**" to confront Samson [[Judges 15:11]]. In genealogical records, it is associated with a family line, referring to "the father of **Etam**" [[1 Chronicles 4:3]] and is also listed as one of five villages within a tribal territory [[1 Chronicles 4:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the description and context of Etam:
* `{{H5553}}` **çelaʻ** (a craggy rock, strong hold): This word is used directly to describe **Etam** as a place of refuge for Samson, emphasizing its nature as a fortress or defensible rock ([[Judges 15:8]], [[Judges 15:11]]).
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This root word is used to describe the fortification of **Etam** as a city, indicating its strategic importance [[2 Chronicles 11:6]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city, town): **Etam** is explicitly identified as one of five cities in a list of villages, confirming its status as a settled community [[1 Chronicles 4:32]].
* `{{H1}}` **ʼâb** (father, chief, principal): This term links **Etam** to a specific lineage, identifying a group of people as being from "the father of **Etam**" [[1 Chronicles 4:3]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5862}}` is primarily geographical and historical, marking a specific location with diverse roles in the story of Israel.
* **A Place of Refuge:** For Samson, the rock of **Etam** was a temporary stronghold where he could dwell after battle [[Judges 15:8]]. It represents a place of seclusion and defense.
* **A Fortified City:** As a city built by Rehoboam, **Etam** was part of a larger strategy of national defense, highlighting its importance in protecting the kingdom of Judah [[2 Chronicles 11:6]].
* **A Genealogical Landmark:** The reference to "the father of **Etam**" shows that the location was also a key marker for family and tribal identity within Judah [[1 Chronicles 4:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5862}}` **ʻÊyṭâm** designates a significant location in ancient Palestine. While appearing only a handful of times, it is presented as a multi-faceted place: a defensible rock providing refuge, a strategically fortified city, and an ancestral home. These occurrences demonstrate how a single place can play different roles in the biblical narrative, from personal refuge to a component of national and tribal identity.
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