### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsᵉphath**, represented by `{{H6857}}`, is a place name meaning **watch-tower**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, referring to a specific location in Palestine. Its significance comes from the single event in which it is mentioned.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of **Zephath** `{{H6857}}` is in the account of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. The tribe of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` went with **Simeon** `{{H8095}}` his **brother** `{{H251}}` to fight the **Canaanites** `{{H3669}}` who **inhabited** `{{H3427}}` the city. The Israelite tribes were victorious, and they **slew** `{{H5221}}` the inhabitants and **utterly destroyed** `{{H2763}}` the city itself. Following this event, its **name** `{{H8034}}` was **called** `{{H7121}}` **Hormah** `{{H2767}}` [[Judges 1:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context of Zephath's only mention:
* `{{H2767}}` **Chormâh** (devoted; Chormah, a place in Palestine; Hormah): This is the new name given to Zephath after its complete destruction by Judah and Simeon, marking its new identity as a place "devoted" to destruction [[Judges 1:17]].
* `{{H2763}}` **châram** (to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction)): This verb describes the decisive action taken against the city. The renaming to Hormah is directly derived from this act of utter destruction.
* `{{H251}}` **ʼâch** (a brother): This term defines the relationship between the tribes of Judah and Simeon, who acted in alliance to conquer Zephath. Their cooperation was essential to the victory described in [[Judges 1:17]].
### Theological Significance
The brief account of `{{H6857}}` carries significant theological weight concerning the Israelite conquest.
* **Fulfillment of Divine Judgment:** The event at Zephath demonstrates the execution of judgment upon the Canaanites. The act to **utterly destroy** `{{H2763}}` the city and its inhabitants was a fulfillment of the divine mandate given to the Israelites.
* **Transformation through Conquest:** The renaming of the city from Tsᵉphath ("watch-tower") to **Hormah** `{{H2767}}` signifies a permanent change. The location is redefined not by its strategic advantage but as a monument to the consequence of opposing God's people.
* **Covenantal Alliance:** The narrative highlights that the conquest was achieved through the unified effort of "Judah... with Simeon his **brother**" [[Judges 1:17]]. This illustrates the theme of tribal unity and mutual support in fulfilling their shared purpose in the promised land.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6857}}` **Tsᵉphath** is more than just an obscure place name. Though mentioned only once, its story is a concise illustration of conquest, judgment, and transformation. The renaming of this "watch-tower" to Hormah ("devoted") by the allied tribes of Judah and Simeon serves as a lasting scriptural marker of a city completely given over to destruction as part of the Israelite settlement of Canaan.
TRV