The Hebrew word Tsâphôwn, represented by H6829, is the proper name for Zaphon, a place in Palestine. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, specifically within the context of the territorial allotments following the Israelite conquest.
In its sole biblical appearance, H6829 is mentioned as a location within the territory allocated to the Israelite tribes east of the Jordan River Joshua 13:27. It is listed among a group of cities in the valley H6010, including Betharam H1027, Bethnimrah H1039, and Succoth H5523. This area was part of what was left of the kingdom H4468 of Sihon H5511, the king H4428 of Heshbon H2809, and its described border H1366 reached to the edge H7097 of the sea H3220 of Chinnereth H3672.
Several related words help establish the geographical and political context of Zaphon:
- H6010 ʻêmeq (valley): This term for a broad depression or vale is used to describe the type of region where Zaphon H6829 is located Joshua 13:27.
- H4468 mamlâkûwth (kingdom): Meaning a dominion or realm, this word defines the land containing Zaphon as the former kingdom of Sihon, providing its historical context Joshua 13:27.
- H5511 Çîychôwn (Sihon): The name of the Amorite king whose former territory included Zaphon. The defeat of Sihon is the key event that made the land available for Israelite settlement Joshua 13:27.
- H3383 Yardên (Jordan): As the principal river of Palestine, the Jordan is a crucial landmark defining the territory containing Zaphon, which was located on its other side H5676 eastward H4217 Joshua 13:27.
The significance of H6829 is entirely geographical and historical, marking a specific point in the narrative of Israel's settlement.
- Territory of Conquest: Zaphon is identified as part of the rest H3499 of the kingdom H4468 of Sihon H5511 king H4428 of Heshbon H2809, situating it within the lands conquered by Israel Joshua 13:27.
- Defined Borders: The location is precisely recorded with key geographical markers, placing it in a valley H6010 near the Jordan H3383 with a border H1366 extending to the sea H3220 of Chinnereth H3672.
- A Listed City: Its inclusion with other cities such as Betharam H1027, Bethnimrah H1039, and Succoth H5523 anchors it within a known cluster of settlements from that period Joshua 13:27.
In summary, H6829 Tsâphôwn is a specific geographical place name rather than a conceptual term. Its single mention in Scripture serves to precisely document a location within the conquered lands allotted to Israel. The significance of Zaphon is tied entirely to its context as part of the former kingdom of Sihon, situated in the Jordan valley and listed among other notable cities in the region Joshua 13:27.
TRV