The Hebrew word ʻÂshân, represented by H6228, is the name of a place in Palestine, Ashan. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The name itself is defined as being the same as another Hebrew word, simply identifying it as Ashan, a location in Palestine.
In the biblical narrative, H6228 is consistently used to identify a specific city within lists of towns and territories. It is mentioned as one of the cities allotted during the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel. For instance, it is listed alongside Libnah H3841 and Ether H6281 in the territory of Judah Joshua 15:42. In other passages, it is included in a group of four H702 cities H5892 with their villages H2691 Joshua 19:7 and as one of five H2568 cities H5892 1 Chronicles 4:32. It is also designated as a Levitical city given "with her suburbs" 1 Chronicles 6:59.
Several related words clarify the nature of Ashan as a settlement:
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This term defines Ashan as an established urban area. It is defined as "a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense." This word is used when listing Ashan among a group of four H702 cities Joshua 19:7.
- H4054 migrâsh (suburb): This word describes the surrounding open lands belonging to the city. Its definition is "a suburb (i.e. open country whither flocks are driven from pasture)." The Bible notes that Ashan was given to the priests "with her suburbs" 1 Chronicles 6:59.
- H2691 châtsêr (village): This term refers to a "hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)" or an enclosed yard. It is used to describe the settlements associated with the main cities, including the group that Ashan belongs to in the list of four cities and their villages Joshua 19:7.
The significance of H6228 is primarily geographical and administrative within the Old Testament record.
- Tribal Inheritance: Ashan is identified as a city within the land allotments given to the tribes of Israel. It appears in lists of cities within the territories of Judah Joshua 15:42 and Simeon 1 Chronicles 4:32, establishing its place in the division of the promised land.
- Levitical City: Beyond its tribal association, Ashan was designated as one of the cities for the Levites. Specifically, it was given to the sons of Aaron, the priests, along with its suburbs H4054, highlighting its role as a place of residence for the priestly class 1 Chronicles 6:59.
- Geographical Landmark: The name is consistently mentioned in connection with other known towns, such as Ether H6281, Libnah H3841, Ain H5871, and Bethshemesh H1053. This places Ashan within a network of settlements in ancient Palestine and uses it as a marker for defining territorial boundaries (Joshua 15:42, Joshua 19:7).
In summary, H6228 ʻÂshân is not a conceptual term but the proper name of a specific location. It functions as a geographical identifier in the Old Testament, designating a city H5892 in Palestine. Its scriptural importance lies in its role within the tribal allotments of Judah and Simeon and its designation as a Levitical city for the priests. The mention of its suburbs H4054 and association with nearby villages H2691 paints a picture of an established settlement integral to the administrative and religious landscape of ancient Israel.
TRV