the same as צְפַת; Tsephathah, a place in Palestine; Zephathah.
Transliteration:Tsᵉphâthâh
Pronunciation:tsef-aw'-thaw
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Tsᵉphâthâh (`{{H6859}}`, צְפָתָה) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as צְפַת" (Tsᵉphath, `{{H6858}}`). This connection is crucial, as `{{H6858}}` is derived from the verbal root צְפָה (tsaphah), meaning "to look out, watch, spy, observe." Therefore, Tsᵉphâthâh inherently carries the semantic weight of a "watchtower," "place of observation," or "lookout point." Its semantic range is primarily geographical, denoting a location that likely held strategic importance due to its elevated position or vantage point, allowing for observation of surrounding areas.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Tsᵉphâthâh (`{{H6859}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[2 Chronicles 14:10]]. The verse states: "And Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah." This singular occurrence places Tsᵉphâthâh as the designated site for a monumental conflict between King Asa of Judah and Zerah the Cushite, who led an immense army numbering a million men. The "valley of Zephathah" (נַחַל צְפָתָה) is situated near Mareshah, a significant city in the Shephelah, the lowlands of Judah. The Shephelah region was historically a strategic borderland, characterized by its undulating terrain of valleys and hills, making it a frequent theater for military engagements. The name "Zephathah" itself, meaning "lookout," suggests that the valley or an adjacent elevated position afforded a critical vantage point for military strategists to observe enemy movements, which would have been indispensable for arraying battle lines. The broader context of [[2 Chronicles 14]] emphasizes King Asa's reliance on the Lord, as he cries out to God for help ([[2 Chronicles 14:11]]), leading to a decisive and divinely orchestrated victory. Thus, Zephathah serves as the geographical backdrop for a profound demonstration of God's power and faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is **`{{H6858}}` (צְפַת, Tsᵉphath)**, which is explicitly identified as the root or equivalent of Tsᵉphâthâh. While Tsᵉphath in [[Judges 1:17]] refers to a city in the Negeb later renamed Hormah, the etymological link to "lookout" remains consistent. The shared root suggests a common underlying meaning related to observation or strategic vantage.
The foundational concept is derived from the verbal root **צְפָה (tsaphah, e.g., `{{H6822}}`)**, meaning "to watch, observe, keep watch." This root is used extensively in various contexts:
* **Physical Watchfulness:** Describing watchmen on city walls (e.g., [[2 Samuel 18:24]], [[Isaiah 21:8]]).
* **Prophetic Watchfulness:** Prophets are often depicted as "watchmen" for God's people, warning them of impending judgment or guiding them (e.g., [[Ezekiel 3:17]], [[Hosea 9:8]]).
* **Divine Watchfulness:** God Himself is portrayed as "watching over" His creation, His covenant people, or even the wicked (e.g., [[Psalm 66:7]], [[Jeremiah 1:12]]).
The place name Tsᵉphâthâh, therefore, subtly carries an inherent association with observation, strategic oversight, and even divine vigilance. Its location in the Shephelah also connects it to the broader theme of **geographical strategy** in biblical warfare, where specific valleys and fortified towns (like Lachish or the Valley of Elah, [[1 Samuel 17:2]]) served as crucial points for defense or engagement.
### Theological Significance
Although Tsᵉphâthâh is merely a geographical descriptor, its singular appearance in the biblical narrative imbues it with significant theological meaning. As the site of King Asa's miraculous victory over Zerah the Cushite, the "valley of Zephathah" becomes a powerful symbol of divine intervention. The narrative explicitly attributes the victory not to Judah's military prowess, but to God's direct action: "So the Lord struck the Cushites before Asa and before Judah" ([[2 Chronicles 14:12]]). King Asa's prayer in [[2 Chronicles 14:11]] is central, acknowledging God's unique ability to aid the weak against the strong, emphasizing a profound trust in divine power.
The name "Zephathah" (lookout) subtly reinforces the theological concept of God's omnipresent watchfulness. While human armies might have sought a strategic lookout point, the deeper theological truth is that the Lord Himself was "watching over" His people and their king. This battle at Zephathah serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to those who rely on Him, demonstrating that even against overwhelming odds, the Lord is the ultimate "watchman" and deliverer. It is a narrative of divine sovereignty triumphing over human might, underscoring the principle that salvation belongs to the Lord.
### Summary
Tsᵉphâthâh (`{{H6859}}`, צְפָתָה) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a specific geographical location, the "valley of Zephathah," situated near Mareshah in ancient Judah. Etymologically linked to `{{H6858}}` (Tsᵉphath) and the root צְפָה (tsaphah), its name signifies a "watchtower" or "place of observation," indicating its strategic significance. Its sole biblical mention in [[2 Chronicles 14:10]] identifies it as the pivotal battleground where King Asa of Judah, through prayer and faith, secured a decisive, divinely-granted victory over the vast army of Zerah the Cushite. The theological importance of Zephathah transcends its geographical identity, marking it as a historical site that powerfully testifies to God's sovereign power, His watchful care, and His unwavering faithfulness to those who trust in Him, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable human challenges.
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