The Hebrew term ʻÎyr ham-Melach, represented by H5898, translates to city of (the) salt. It appears only 1 time in the Bible, within a single verse. Its meaning is straightforward, identifying a specific location, Irham-Melach, a place near Palestine.
The single biblical mention of H5898 occurs in the book of Joshua. It is listed as one of the cities in the wilderness allocated to the tribe of Judah as part of their inheritance. The full account reads, "And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages" Joshua 15:62. This verse places the city of Salt within a defined geographical and administrative group as part of the settlement of the promised land.
Several related words from its sole context help to define its setting:
- H5892 ʻîyr (city, court (from margin), town): This word is the base for the name itself, identifying the location as a city. It signifies a guarded or established place, central to the concept of settlement Psalms 127:1.
- H5044 Nibshân (Nibshan, a place in Palestine): A city listed immediately before the city of Salt, indicating its close proximity and inclusion in the same district within Judah's territory Joshua 15:62.
- H5872 ʻÊyn Gedîy (En-gedi): A well-known location also listed with the city of Salt. It is elsewhere identified as a wilderness stronghold where David took refuge 1 Samuel 23:29.
- H8337 shêsh (six, sixth): This number specifies the total count of cities in this particular cluster, emphasizing that the city of Salt was part of a recognized group Joshua 15:62.
- H2691 châtsêr (court, tower, village): This term clarifies that the primary cities listed, including the city of Salt, had smaller, dependent villages associated with them Joshua 15:62.
The significance of H5898 is primarily geographical and historical rather than theological.
- Territorial Inheritance: Its inclusion in the list in Joshua 15:62 serves as a formal record, marking the city of Salt as part of the God-given inheritance for the tribe of Judah.
- Geographical Marker: The name "city of Salt" and its grouping with Engedi firmly places it within a specific, arid region.
- Administrative Unit: The passage identifies the city of Salt as one of six cities that, along with their villages, formed an administrative unit within the larger tribal allotment.
In summary, H5898, ʻÎyr ham-Melach, is a literal place name meaning "city of the salt." Its singular appearance in scripture Joshua 15:62 is not for theological symbolism but for historical and geographical record-keeping. It is important for its role in defining the precise boundaries of the inheritance of Judah, and it is understood in relation to its neighboring cities, Nibshan and Engedi, as part of a distinct regional cluster.
TRV