the same as צֶלַע; Tsela, a place in Palestine; Zelah.
Transliteration:Tselaʻ
Pronunciation:tseh'-lah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H6762 (צֶלַע, Tselaʻ) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as צֶלַע," referring to Strong's `{{H6760}}`, which carries the primary meanings of "rib," "side," "slope," or "chamber." Therefore, while H6762 denotes a specific locality, its etymology likely relates to a topographical feature, perhaps a "side" or "slope" of a hill, or a place characterized by such a formation. In biblical usage, H6762 exclusively refers to the town of Zelah (or Tsela).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Hebrew term H6762 (צֶלַע, Tselaʻ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, explicitly identifying a specific location:
* [[Joshua 18:28]]: "And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families." Here, Zelah is listed among the towns allocated to the tribe of Benjamin during the division of the land of Canaan. Its inclusion in this list underscores its status as an established settlement within the tribal boundaries.
Beyond this direct mention, Zelah gains historical significance through its indirect association with the burial of King Saul and his son Jonathan. While [[2 Samuel 21:14]] does not explicitly name Zelah, it states that the bones of Saul and Jonathan, along with those of Saul's father Kish, were buried "in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father." This passage clarifies Zelah's role as the ancestral burial ground for Saul's family, highlighting its importance as a place of final rest for the first king of Israel and his lineage. The act of gathering and burying their bones there, orchestrated by King David, signifies a profound act of respect and closure, bringing an end to a period of national mourning and instability.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to H6762 (צֶלַע, Tselaʻ) is `{{H6760}}` (צֶלַע), the common noun from which the place name is derived or with which it shares a root. `{{H6760}}` primarily denotes a "rib," "side," "slope," or "chamber." This connection suggests that the town of Zelah may have been named for a prominent geographical feature, such as being situated on the "side" or "slope" of a hill or mountain.
Conceptually, Zelah is linked to:
* **Tribal Inheritance:** Its mention in [[Joshua 18:28]] places it within the divinely appointed boundaries of the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land.
* **Burial Practices and Ancestral Tombs:** The burial of Saul and his family in Zelah (cf. [[2 Samuel 21:14]]) connects it to the ancient Near Eastern practice of burying deceased family members in ancestral tombs, underscoring themes of lineage, honor, and the proper treatment of the dead. This act by David also speaks to the restoration of dignity to Saul's house.
* **Kingship and Transition:** As the burial place of the first king, Zelah indirectly marks a site associated with the end of one dynastic era and the consolidation of the Davidic monarchy.
### Theological Significance
As a specific geographical location, the theological significance of Zelah (H6762) is primarily found in its contextual roles within the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Providence and Land Allotment:** Zelah's inclusion in the inheritance of Benjamin in [[Joshua 18:28]] serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan. Each town, including Zelah, represents a tangible manifestation of God's sovereign distribution of territory among the tribes of Israel.
* **Respect for the Deceased and National Reconciliation:** The burial of King Saul and his sons in Zelah, their ancestral burial ground, as recounted in [[2 Samuel 21:14]], carries profound theological weight. This act, initiated by David, was not merely a practical necessity but a deeply symbolic gesture of honor, reconciliation, and the restoration of dignity to the former king's house. It demonstrates a commitment to proper burial rites, even for those who were once adversaries, and contributes to the healing of national wounds following a period of civil strife and famine. It underscores the biblical principle of honoring the dead and bringing closure to significant historical events.
* **The Weight of History and Memory:** Zelah, as the resting place of Israel's first king, becomes a silent witness to the nation's early history, the complexities of leadership, and the unfolding of God's plan for kingship. It reminds future generations of the lineage of Saul and the divine transition of the kingdom to David.
### Summary
H6762 (צֶלַע, Tselaʻ) designates the specific place name Zelah, a town located within the tribal territory of Benjamin. While linguistically related to the common noun for "rib" or "side" (`{{H6760}}`), its singular appearance in [[Joshua 18:28]] confirms its identity as a geographical marker in the land distribution. Its most significant historical and theological resonance comes from its later identification as the ancestral burial place where King Saul, his sons, and his father Kish were laid to rest by order of King David ([[2 Samuel 21:14]]). This act transforms Zelah into a site embodying God's faithfulness in land promises, a place of honorable remembrance for a fallen king, and a symbol of national reconciliation and the proper handling of the past in the unfolding of God's redemptive history.
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