The Hebrew proper name ʻÊyn haq-Qôwrêʼ, represented by H5875, is defined as the fountain of One calling. It appears just 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible. The name itself is a compound, derived from the words for "fountain" and the active participle of "to call," marking it as a place named to commemorate a specific event.
The sole biblical reference to H5875 is found in Judges 15:19. In this account, after a great victory, Samson is dying of thirst and calls out to God. In response, God H430 claves H1234 a hollow place H4388 in a jawbone H3895, and water H4325 comes forth H3318. After Samson drinks H8354, his spirit H7307 returns H7725 and he is revived H2421. He then calls H7121 the name H8034 of the spring Enhakkore H5875, which the text notes is in Lehi H3896 to this day H3117.
Several related words from the surrounding text illuminate the meaning of this place name:
- H7121 qârâʼ (to call out to): This root forms the basis of the name "haq-Qôwrêʼ" (One calling). It signifies the cry or appeal that prompted the miracle, as seen when people are instructed to call H7121 upon the LORD Jeremiah 33:3.
- H2421 châyâh (to live, revive): This word describes the result of Samson drinking from the spring. It points to God's power not just to sustain life but to restore and revive it, as when God promises to revive H2421 the spirit of the humble Isaiah 57:15.
- H4325 mayim (water): The physical agent of Samson's revival. Water H4325 is often used in Scripture as a symbol of God's life-giving provision and spiritual blessing Isaiah 44:3.
The theological weight of H5875 is tied directly to the narrative of its naming.
- Memorial of Divine Intervention: The name Enhakkore H5875 serves as a permanent memorial, marking a specific location where God answered a desperate cry for help Judges 15:19. The name itself, "fountain of One calling," perpetually testifies to the event.
- Answer to a Desperate Cry: The event highlights God's responsiveness to those who call H7121 upon Him. Samson's physical exhaustion led to a spiritual appeal, which God H430 met with a miraculous provision of life-giving water H4325.
- Source of Revival: The water from the spring brought about a complete revival H2421 of Samson's spirit H7307. This demonstrates that God is the ultimate source of restoration and life, able to bring strength from a place of weakness.
In summary, H5875 ʻÊyn haq-Qôwrêʼ is more than just a place name. It is a monument in a word, encapsulating an entire narrative of desperation, prayer, and divine deliverance. Though appearing only once, it serves as a powerful testament to God's willingness to hear the cries of His people and to provide miraculous, life-reviving intervention in response.
TRV