The Hebrew phrase ʻÊyn Rimmôwn, represented by H5884, identifies a specific location whose name means fountain of a pomegranate. This place name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a specific site in Palestine known as En-rimmon.
The single biblical reference to H5884 occurs in Nehemiah, within a list of towns and settlements. Its context is a record of inhabited places. The scripture simply states, "And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth" Nehemiah 11:29. This places it firmly within a geographical grouping of other known locations in the region.
The verse where En-rimmon is found connects it to other significant biblical locations:
- H6881 Tsorʻâh (Zareah, Zorah, Zoreah): A place in Palestine mentioned directly with En-rimmon Nehemiah 11:29. Tsorah is also identified as a city in the territory of the Danites Judges 18:2 and the home of Manoah, Samson's father Judges 13:2.
- H3412 Yarmûwth (Jarmuth): Defined as "elevation," this was another town in Palestine listed with En-rimmon Nehemiah 11:29. Jarmuth was the domain of a king who fought against Joshua (Joshua 10:3, Joshua 10:5) and was later counted among the cities of Judah Joshua 15:35.
The significance of H5884 is primarily geographical and historical rather than theological.
- Post-Exilic Settlement: Its sole appearance in Nehemiah places it on the map as one of the towns inhabited after the return from exile, signifying its role in the resettlement of the land Nehemiah 11:29.
- Geographical Context: Being listed alongside Zareah and Jarmuth helps to situate it within a recognized cluster of towns in ancient Palestine.
- Descriptive Name: The name itself, "fountain of a pomegranate," suggests a location distinguished by its natural resources—specifically, a spring or well near a pomegranate grove.
In summary, H5884 is the proper name for the location of En-rimmon. While it appears only once, its inclusion in the biblical record is valuable. It provides a snapshot of the settlement patterns of its time and preserves the memory of a place likely known for its life-giving "fountain" and "pomegranate," linking it permanently to its neighbors, Zareah and Jarmuth.
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