### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻEtsem**, represented by `{{H6107}}`, primarily identifies a **place in Palestine**. Its base definition is related to "bone," but in its scriptural usage, it functions as a proper name for a town, spelled as both Azem and Ezem. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, marking its presence in the geographical landscape of ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6107}}` is consistently used within lists that delineate the cities allotted to the tribes of Israel. It appears as **Azem** in the list of towns given to the tribe of Judah [[Joshua 15:29]] and later in the inheritance of Simeon [[Joshua 19:3]]. The spelling changes to **Ezem** in the genealogies of the families of Simeon, where their dwelling places are recorded [[1 Chronicles 4:29]]. In all instances, it serves as a specific geographical marker.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other place names are mentioned in direct connection with `{{H6107}}`, establishing its location relative to other settlements:
* `{{H1173}}` **Baʻălâh** (Baalah, the name of three places in Palestine): This city is listed alongside Azem in the territory of Judah [[Joshua 15:29]].
* `{{H1090}}` **Bilhâh** (Bilhah, the name of one of Jacob's concubines; also of a place in Palestine): The town of Bilhah is mentioned with Ezem as a dwelling place for the Simeonites [[1 Chronicles 4:29]].
* `{{H2705}}` **Chătsar Shûwʻâl** (village of (the) fox; Chatsar-Shual, a place in Palestine): This location is listed with Azem in the inheritance of Simeon [[Joshua 19:3]].
* `{{H8434}}` **Tôwlâd** (posterity; Tolad, a place in Palestine): Tolad appears next to Ezem in the list of Simeonite cities [[1 Chronicles 4:29]].
### Theological Significance
While not a theological term itself, the inclusion of `{{H6107}}` in scripture carries significance related to God's covenant with Israel.
* **Land Inheritance:** The mention of Azem/Ezem in the book of Joshua is part of the formal record of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes, signifying the fulfillment of God's promise ([[Joshua 15:29]], [[Joshua 19:3]]).
* **Historical Record:** Its appearance in 1 Chronicles serves to document the precise dwelling places of the descendants of Simeon, reinforcing the historical and genealogical continuity of the nation [[1 Chronicles 4:29]].
* **Geographical Precision:** The meticulous listing of towns like Azem/Ezem demonstrates the Bible's attention to historical and geographical detail, grounding the narrative of Israel's settlement in a real-world context.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6107}}` is a proper noun for a specific location in ancient Palestine. While its definition relates to "bone," its biblical function is purely geographical. Its importance lies not in any abstract meaning but in its role as a detail within the larger biblical accounts of tribal allotments and historical records, underscoring the tangible fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding the land.
TRV