### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsᵉmârayim**, represented by `{{H6787}}`, identifies a specific place in Palestine named **Zemaraim**. Its base definition is "double fleece." The name appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, referring to both a city and a mountain.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6787}}` is first used to identify a city. It is listed as part of the territory of Benjamin, mentioned alongside Betharabah and Bethel [[Joshua 18:22]]. Later, it is identified as a mountain, "mount Zemaraim," which is located within the larger region of "mount Ephraim" [[2 Chronicles 13:4]]. This is the location from which King Abijah stood up to deliver a significant address to King Jeroboam and all of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to establish the context of Zemaraim:
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): This word specifies the type of location where Abijah made his stand, identifying it as "mount Zemaraim" [[2 Chronicles 13:4]]. Mountains are often used in scripture as places of divine encounter or significant pronouncements [[Isaiah 52:7]].
* `{{H1008}}` **Bêyth-ʼÊl** (house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine): Zemaraim is listed as a city alongside Bethel in the description of Benjamin's territory [[Joshua 18:22]]. Bethel was a significant location in Israel's history, known for both divine encounters and, later, idolatry under Jeroboam ([[Genesis 35:1]], [[1 Kings 13:4]]).
* `{{H29}}` **ʼĂbîyâh** (Abijah): The king of Judah who used Mount Zemaraim as a platform to speak to the armies of Israel [[2 Chronicles 13:4]]. The conflict between Abijah and Jeroboam is a central theme of this narrative [[2 Chronicles 13:2]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H6787}}` is primarily geographical and historical, marking a key location in two different contexts.
* **A Geographical Boundary:** Its inclusion in the list of cities in Joshua establishes it as a fixed landmark within the inheritance of a tribe of Israel [[Joshua 18:22]]. It helps to define the biblical landscape.
* **A Platform for Proclamation:** Mount Zemaraim becomes the stage for a critical moment in the history of the divided kingdom. From this high place, Abijah confronts Jeroboam and the northern kingdom of Israel, calling for them to hear him [[2 Chronicles 13:4]].
* **A Strategic Location:** By being situated "in mount Ephraim," the site of Abijah's speech is deep within the territory of the northern kingdom [[2 Chronicles 13:4]]. This underscores the boldness of his challenge to Jeroboam.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6787}}` is a place name that, while rare, holds specific importance. It appears first as a city defining a tribal border and later as a mountain that serves as the backdrop for a pivotal confrontation between the kings of Judah and Israel. Zemaraim is thereby fixed in the biblical record not just as a point on a map, but as a site of historical and political significance.
TRV