### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻÎyîym**, represented by `{{H5864}}`, is a place name meaning **ruins**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is transliterated as Ijim or Iim and refers to a location in the Desert.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5864}}` is mentioned in two distinct contexts. First, it appears as a location where the Israelites stopped during their journey in the wilderness, as they **departed** from **Iim** and **pitched** in Dibongad [[Numbers 33:45]]. Second, it is listed as a city within the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, alongside **Baalah** and **Azem** [[Joshua 15:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context for **ʻÎyîym**:
* `{{H5265}}` **nâçaʻ** (start on a journey): This verb is used to describe the Israelites' action of departing from **Iim** [[Numbers 33:45]]. Its root meaning is to pull up tent-pins, signifying movement and progression on their journey.
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to encamp): Paired with departing, this root describes the act of pitching a tent or making camp, as the Israelites did after leaving **Iim** [[Numbers 33:45]].
* `{{H1769}}` **Dîybôwn** (Dibon): This place name is mentioned as the destination immediately after the Israelites left **Iim**, marking the next stage of their travels [[Numbers 33:45]].
* `{{H1173}}` **Baʻălâh** (Baalah): This city is listed alongside **Iim** as part of the territory allotted to Judah, defining its geographical and tribal context [[Joshua 15:29]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5864}}` is derived from its role in Israel's history.
* **Wilderness Journey:** The appearance of **Iim** in Numbers highlights a specific stop in Israel's journey from Egypt. Its location as a place they **departed** from illustrates the transient nature of their time in the desert as they moved toward their destination [[Numbers 33:45]].
* **Inheritance and Allotment:** In Joshua, **Iim** is no longer just a stopping point but part of the promised inheritance. Its inclusion in the list of cities for Judah marks the fulfillment of God's promise of land [[Joshua 15:29]].
* **From Transience to Permanence:** The name **ʻÎyîym**, meaning "ruins," marks a place of desolation. Its context shows Israel passing through such places under divine guidance, eventually possessing them as part of a settled and promised territory.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5864}}` functions as a geographical marker in the story of Israel. While the name **ʻÎyîym** itself means "ruins," its use in Scripture illustrates a progression from a temporary encampment in the wilderness [[Numbers 33:45]] to a permanent possession within the Promised Land [[Joshua 15:29]], anchoring it within the larger narrative of Israel's journey and settlement.
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