from עִיר and שֶׁמֶשׁ; city of the sun; Ir-Shemesh, a place in Palestine; Irshemesh.
Transliteration:ʻÎyr Shemesh
Pronunciation:eer sheh'-mesh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5905}}`, ʻÎyr Shemesh (עִיר שֶׁמֶשׁ), is a compound noun derived from two distinct elements: `{{H5892}}` (îr), meaning "city" or "town," and `{{H8121}}` (shemesh), meaning "sun." Therefore, its literal and primary meaning is "City of the Sun." This designation identifies a specific geographical location rather than an abstract concept or a broad semantic range. As a proper noun, its semantic scope is limited to its identity as a particular place in ancient Palestine. The name itself strongly suggests a pre-Israelite origin, likely reflecting a cultic association with sun worship prevalent in the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5905}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 19:41]]: "And the territory of their inheritance was Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh,"
This solitary occurrence places Ir-shemesh within the context of the tribal allotments of the land of Canaan to the Israelites. Specifically, it is listed as one of the cities belonging to the inheritance of the tribe of Dan. The verse details the boundaries and key settlements of Dan's territory. Its inclusion alongside Zorah and Eshtaol, both significant Danite cities (Zorah being the birthplace of Samson), firmly establishes its geographical location in the Shephelah region, west of Jerusalem. The mention of "City of the Sun" within the Israelite inheritance list is notable, as it points to the pre-existing Canaanite religious landscape that the Israelites encountered and, to some extent, absorbed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of `{{H5905}}` naturally link it to several related words and concepts:
* `{{H5892}}` (îr): The common Hebrew word for "city" or "town," emphasizing the urban nature of the settlement.
* `{{H8121}}` (shemesh): The Hebrew word for "sun," which immediately evokes the concept of solar deities and sun worship, a widespread religious practice in the ancient Near East.
* `{{H1053}}` (Beth-shemesh): Another significant biblical city, meaning "House of the Sun." The linguistic and conceptual parallels between Ir-shemesh and Beth-shemesh are striking, suggesting a shared pre-Israelite religious heritage centered on solar worship. Beth-shemesh is also located in the Shephelah, reinforcing the idea of a cluster of sun-worshipping sites in this region.
* Paganism and Idolatry: The name "City of the Sun" directly points to the Canaanite religious practices that the Israelites were commanded to eradicate or avoid. Sun worship was a prominent form of idolatry condemned by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 4:19]], [[Deuteronomy 17:3]]).
* Tribal Allotments: The broader context of [[Joshua 19]] connects Ir-shemesh to the divine distribution of land among the tribes of Israel, a foundational act in the establishment of the nation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5905}}`, Ir-shemesh, lies primarily in its name and its placement within the biblical narrative of the conquest and settlement of Canaan.
1. **Witness to Pre-Israelite Paganism:** The name "City of the Sun" is a silent but powerful testimony to the pervasive nature of sun worship among the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan. It serves as a reminder that the land promised to Abraham's descendants was saturated with idolatrous practices, a stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh.
2. **Challenge to Israel's Faith:** The inclusion of such a city within the inheritance of an Israelite tribe (Dan) highlights the ongoing challenge for Israel to maintain its exclusive devotion to Yahweh amidst the allure and influence of pagan cults. The very names of places like Ir-shemesh and Beth-shemesh would have served as constant reminders of the spiritual battle against idolatry that Israel faced.
3. **Divine Sovereignty in Conquest:** Despite its pagan connotations, Ir-shemesh became part of Israel's divinely ordained inheritance. This underscores God's sovereign power to dispossess the wicked inhabitants and grant their land to His chosen people, transforming sites of idolatry into territories under the covenant.
4. **Historical Context for Apostasy:** While Ir-shemesh itself is not directly implicated in later acts of apostasy, its very existence and name provide crucial historical context for understanding why Israel, particularly the tribe of Dan, often struggled with idolatry (e.g., the Danite migration and establishment of idolatry in [[Judges 18]]). The spiritual landscape they inherited was fraught with pagan influence.
### Summary
`{{H5905}}`, ʻÎyr Shemesh, meaning "City of the Sun," is a geographical place name that appears only once in the Bible, in [[Joshua 19:41]], identifying a city allotted to the tribe of Dan. Its name strongly suggests a pre-Israelite origin as a center for sun worship, a common pagan practice in the ancient Near East. The theological significance of Ir-shemesh lies in its role as a historical witness to the pervasive idolatry of Canaan, highlighting the spiritual challenges faced by Israel in maintaining its covenant fidelity to Yahweh. Its inclusion in the tribal inheritance underscores God's sovereign act of conquest and the constant need for Israel to resist the temptations of syncretism and apostasy in a land steeped in pagan traditions.
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