The Hebrew word Parbâr, represented by H6503, refers to Parbar or Parvar, a quarter of Jerusalem; Parbar, suburb. It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. This term, noted as being of foreign origin, designates a specific external area or annex connected to the temple grounds.
In its biblical appearances, H6503 is used to pinpoint a specific location with distinct functions. In 1 Chronicles 26:18, it is described as a place on the westward H4628 side of the temple complex, with four H702 guards stationed at the causeway H4546 and two H8147 at Parbar itself. In 2 Kings 23:11, the area is referred to as "the suburbs," where the chamber H3957 of Nathanmelech H5419 the chamberlain H5631 was located. This was the site where idolatrous horses H5483 given H5414 to the sun H8121 by the kings H4428 of Judah H3063 were kept near the house H1004 of the LORD H3068.
Several related words help clarify the context and location of Parbar:
- H4628 maʻărâb (the west): This word provides a precise directional orientation for Parbar in relation to the temple 1 Chronicles 26:18.
- H4546 mᵉçillâh (a thoroughfare... causeway, ...terrace): This term describes the major architectural feature associated with Parbar, indicating it was an area of passage or access 1 Chronicles 26:18.
- H3957 lishkâh (a room in a building... chamber, parlour): The presence of a chamber in the Parbar highlights its function as a space for lodging or official business for individuals like Nathanmelech 2 Kings 23:11.
- H5419 Nᵉthan-Melek (given of (the) king; Nethan-Melek): The official whose chamber was located in the Parbar, connecting the location to a specific royal appointee 2 Kings 23:11.
The structural significance of H6503 is tied to its role in temple operations and religious purity.
- Strategic Access Point: As a westward H4628 quarter with a causeway H4546, Parbar served as a controlled entryway to the temple complex, staffed with assigned personnel 1 Chronicles 26:18.
- Site of Idolatry and Reform: Parbar was directly implicated in the idolatry of the kings H4428 of Judah H3063, as it housed the horses H5483 and chariots H4818 dedicated to the sun H8121. Consequently, it became a focus of King Josiah's reforms when he took away H7673 these objects and burned H8313 the chariots 2 Kings 23:11.
- Official Quarters: The location of a chamberlain's H5631 room within this "suburb" shows it was an area designated for officials serving either the king or the temple, placing it in close proximity to the house of the LORD H3068.
In summary, H6503 is a precise geographical term identifying a suburb or quarter on the western side of the temple in Jerusalem. Though mentioned infrequently, its context reveals its importance as both an architectural feature for access and lodging, and as a historically significant site where pagan worship was established and later purged during a period of religious renewal.
TRV