### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **ʻÎyr Shemesh**, represented by `{{H5905}}`, translates to **"city of the sun"**. It is the name of a place in Palestine, appearing just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular mention marks it as a specific geographical point within a tribal territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5905}}` is in the book of Joshua, during the allotment of land to the Israelite tribes. It is listed as one of the cities on the **coast** `{{H1366}}` of the **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` designated for the tribe of Dan. The passage identifies it alongside its neighboring cities, stating, "And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh" [[Joshua 19:41]]. This firmly places it as a boundary marker within the land promised and divided among the people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of Irshemesh is defined by the words used alongside it in its only biblical mention:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border, bound, coast): This term specifies that Irshemesh is part of a territorial **border**. It defines the physical and God-given limits of the tribe's inheritance [[Joshua 19:41]].
* `{{H5159}}` **nachălâh** (heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession): This word establishes that Irshemesh was not merely land, but part of a divine **heritage** passed down to the people as a fulfillment of God's promise [[Joshua 19:41]].
* `{{H6881}}` **Tsorʻâh** (Tsorah, a place in Palestine): A city listed directly with Irshemesh, helping to define its geographical location. Zorah is later identified with the Danites and the story of Manoah [[Judges 13:2]].
* `{{H847}}` **ʼEshtâʼôl** (Eshtaol, a place in Palestine): Also listed with Irshemesh, this city further anchors its location. Eshtaol is consistently mentioned with Zorah in the context of the tribe of Dan ([[Judges 13:25]], [[Judges 16:31]]).
### Theological Significance
While `{{H5905}}` itself carries no direct theological exposition, its association with key concepts in its single verse gives it significance:
* **Divine Inheritance:** The inclusion of Irshemesh in the **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` of a tribe underscores the theme of God's provision. The Bible broadens this concept to describe children as a **heritage** of the LORD [[Psalms 127:3]] and even God Himself as the ultimate **inheritance** for His servants [[Numbers 18:20]].
* **God's Appointed Borders:** As part of a **coast** or **border** `{{H1366}}`, Irshemesh signifies God's sovereign hand in establishing the boundaries of His people. The Lord promises to set and enlarge these **borders** ([[Exodus 23:31]], [[Exodus 34:24]]) and to bring His people back to them [[Jeremiah 31:17]].
* **Fulfillment of Promise:** The listing of Irshemesh as part of the allotted land is a tangible record of God fulfilling His covenant to give the land as an **inheritance** [[Isaiah 58:14]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʻÎyr Shemesh** `{{H5905}}` is a specific location whose biblical importance is derived entirely from its context. Though mentioned only once, as the "city of the sun" it serves as a permanent marker in the geography of the promised land. Its inclusion in the list of cities in [[Joshua 19:41]] connects it to the profound themes of God-given inheritance and the establishment of sovereign borders for the people of Israel.
TRV