The Hebrew word ʻAtsmôwn, represented by H6111, is the name for a location near Palestine, Azmon. Derived from a word meaning bone-like, it appears 3 times across 3 unique verses. Its sole function in scripture is to serve as a geographical marker.
In the biblical narrative, H6111 is exclusively used to define the southern border of the land of Israel. As the Israelites prepare to enter the promised land, the boundary is described as passing through a series of locations, including a point where it shall "pass on to Azmon" Numbers 34:4. From there, the border is marked to "fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt" before terminating at the sea Numbers 34:5. This same boundary line is later reaffirmed when describing the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah Joshua 15:4.
Several related geographical terms help establish the context in which Azmon appears:
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (border, coast): This word defines a boundary or the territory it encloses. It is used to describe the "coast" that passes by Azmon Joshua 15:4 and is central to God's promise to set Israel's "bounds" Exodus 23:31.
- H5045 negeb (south): This term refers to the southern region, particularly the Negeb district. Azmon is a landmark on the southern border Numbers 34:4, a direction associated with the expanse of the promised land Genesis 28:14.
- H5158 nachal (river, stream): This word for a stream or brook is used to identify the "river of Egypt," which serves as the boundary line that the border reaches after passing Azmon Numbers 34:5. It is also used metaphorically for a "mighty stream" of righteousness Amos 5:24.
The geographical significance of H6111 is tied to its role in defining national and tribal inheritance.
- Southern Boundary Marker: Azmon is a key landmark that helps establish the southern extent of the territory promised to Israel. Its mention provides a concrete, physical point on the map of the promised land Numbers 34:4.
- A Navigational Point: The scriptural accounts use Azmon as a waypoint from which the border continues its course. The boundary line passes to Azmon and then turns toward the river of Egypt and the sea, making it a critical point in the survey of the land Joshua 15:4.
- Territorial Inheritance: The inclusion of Azmon in the land descriptions of Numbers and Joshua underscores the formal and legal nature of the territorial allotment. It is part of the official "south coast" that defines the inheritance for the children of Israel Joshua 15:4.
In summary, H6111 is a specific place name whose importance lies entirely in its geographical function. It is not used metaphorically but serves as a fixed point for delineating the southern border of the promised land. Its repeated mention in both the initial commands in Numbers and the later fulfillment in Joshua highlights the precision of the territorial boundaries given by God to Israel.
TRV