עֵין חָצוֹר

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew phrase ʻÊyn Châtsôwr, represented by H5877, translates to fountain of a village. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. As its definition suggests, it is the name of a specific place in Palestine, referred to as Enhazor.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single biblical reference to H5877 occurs in the book of Joshua during the accounting of the tribal land allotments. Enhazor is named as one of the fortified cities assigned to the tribe of Naphtali. It is listed in a sequence of cities that includes Kedesh and Edrei, marking its location within the territory of this tribe Joshua 19:37.

Related Words & Concepts

The cities listed alongside Enhazor provide greater context for its location and significance:

• H6943 Qedesh (a sanctum; Kedesh): This city is mentioned with Enhazor in Naphtali's inheritance Joshua 19:37. It was also appointed a city of refuge in Galilee Joshua 20:7 and was the home of Barak, who gathered forces there to fight Sisera Judges 4:10.
• H154 ʼedreʻîy (mighty; Edrei): Also listed with Enhazor Joshua 19:37, Edrei was one of the royal cities of Og, king of Bashan Joshua 12:4. It was the site of a significant battle where Moses and the Israelites were victorious over Og Numbers 21:33.

Theological Significance

The significance of H5877 is primarily geographical and historical, rooted in its single mention.

• Tribal Inheritance: Its inclusion in the list of cities for Naphtali is crucial for defining the tribe's God-given territory in the Promised Land Joshua 19:37.
• Fortified Location: The passage identifies Enhazor as a fenced city, indicating it was a strategic or defended settlement within the region of Naphtali.
• A Landmark Name: The name "fountain of a village" suggests it was known for a vital water source, a key feature for any settlement in the ancient Near East.

Summary

In summary, H5877 is a specific place name whose importance is tied directly to the settlement of Canaan. Though mentioned only once, its presence in the biblical text serves to document the precise boundaries and fortified locations that constituted the inheritance of the tribes of Israel. Its inclusion alongside more prominent cities like Kedesh and Edrei firmly roots it within the historical and geographical landscape of ancient Israel as recorded in scripture.