feminine of צַלְמָוֶת; shadiness; Tsalmonah, a place in the Desert; Zalmonah.
Transliteration:Tsalmônâh
Pronunciation:tsal-mo-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6758}}` (Tsalmônâh) is a proper noun, identifying a specific location in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. Its base definition, "shadiness," indicates a derivative relationship with the more significant Hebrew word `{{H6757}}` (tsalmavet), meaning "shadow of death" or "deep darkness." While `{{H6758}}` itself denotes a place name, its etymological root imbues it with a semantic range that suggests a dark, desolate, or perhaps perilous environment. Unlike abstract nouns, a proper noun's primary meaning is its referent; however, the evocative nature of its root word suggests that Tsalmonah was perceived, at least etymologically, as a place characterized by gloom or significant challenge, rather than a verdant or welcoming oasis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H6758}}` appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, specifically in the detailed itinerary of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. It is mentioned twice:
* [[Numbers 33:41]]: "They journeyed from Mount Hor and camped in Zalmonah."
* [[Numbers 33:42]]: "They journeyed from Zalmonah and camped in Punon."
In this context, Tsalmonah is presented simply as one of the many waypoints on the Israelites' forty-year wilderness trek. It follows Mount Hor, where Aaron died, a significant moment of transition and loss for the community. Its placement in the itinerary, therefore, positions it as a location encountered after a period of mourning and before the journey continues to Punon. The text itself provides no further descriptive details about Tsalmonah, its landscape, or any specific events that occurred there. Its significance is primarily derived from its inclusion in the divinely orchestrated journey and the evocative nature of its name, hinting at the challenging and often harsh realities of the wilderness experience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{H6758}}` is its linguistic root, `{{H6757}}` (tsalmavet). This term, "shadow of death," is a powerful poetic expression used throughout the Old Testament to describe extreme darkness, deep distress, mortal peril, or the very brink of death. Examples include [[Psalm 23:4]], "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me"; [[Job 3:5]], "May darkness and the shadow of death claim it"; and [[Jeremiah 13:16]], "Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but he will turn it into thick darkness and change it into deep gloom."
The connection between the place name `{{H6758}}` and `{{H6757}}` implies that Tsalmonah was likely a region characterized by desolation, perhaps a dark wadi, a barren plain, or a place where life was particularly difficult. Other related concepts include the broader theme of the wilderness (`{{H4057}}` midbar) as a place of testing, hardship, and divine provision. The journey through such places underscores God's sovereignty and His leading of His people through challenging environments, often to purify and teach them dependence upon Him.
### Theological Significance
While Tsalmonah is merely a geographical marker in the biblical narrative, its name, derived from "shadow of death," holds profound theological resonance within the broader context of the wilderness journey. The fact that God led His people *through* Tsalmonah, rather than around it, speaks to His sovereign control over every aspect of their pilgrimage, including the most desolate or perilous stages.
Theologically, Tsalmonah can be seen as a microcosm of the wilderness experience itself: a period of intense trial, hardship, and spiritual formation. It reminds us that faith journeys are not always through lush pastures but often include traversing "valleys of the shadow of death." God's presence and guidance are not limited to comfortable or pleasant environments; indeed, His faithfulness is often most vividly displayed when His people are in the direst circumstances. The journey through Tsalmonah highlights divine pedagogy, teaching Israel reliance on God alone for sustenance and direction in places where human resources fail. It signifies that even in "shadiness" or near-death experiences, God's covenantal presence assures His people's passage and ultimate deliverance.
### Summary
`{{H6758}}` (Tsalmônâh) is a proper noun designating a specific location in the wilderness itinerary of the Israelites, appearing in [[Numbers 33:41]] and [[Numbers 33:42]]. Its meaning, "shadiness," derives from `{{H6757}}` (tsalmavet), "shadow of death," suggesting it was a desolate or challenging region. Although the biblical text provides no descriptive details of the site, its evocative name implies a place of significant difficulty or gloom. Theologically, Tsalmonah serves as a powerful reminder that God leads His people not only through pleasant lands but also through "shadowy" and arduous terrains. It underscores His unwavering presence, guidance, and provision even in the most demanding phases of life's journey, transforming potential despair into a testament of divine faithfulness.
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