The Hebrew word Tsᵉphâthâh, represented by H6859, identifies a specific location in Palestine known as Zephathah. The name is considered the same as Tsephath. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical record, marking it as a highly specific geographical reference.
The sole appearance of H6859 is found in 2 Chronicles 14:10, where it pinpoints the location of a significant military event. In this passage, King Asa H609 went out H3318 against H6440 an opposing army. The forces set the battle H4421 in array H6186 specifically "in the valley H1516 of Zephathah H6859 at Mareshah H4762." This highlights its role as a battlefield, a specific gorge or valley chosen for a strategic confrontation.
The context of Zephathah is illuminated by several associated Hebrew words from its only biblical mention:
- H1516 gayʼ (valley): This word, defined as a gorge with lofty sides, describes the specific topography of Zephathah. It specifies the encounter happened not on an open plain but in a more narrowly defined valley.
- H4421 milchâmâh (battle): This term for a battle or warfare defines the purpose of the gathering at Zephathah, marking it as the site of a military engagement 2 Chronicles 14:10.
- H4762 Marʼêshâh (Mareshah): This is the name of another place in Palestine mentioned in the same breath as Zephathah, helping to geographically situate the valley 2 Chronicles 14:10.
While H6859 itself is a geographical name, its significance is derived from the event for which it serves as a backdrop.
- A Stage for Divine Power: The valley of Zephathah becomes the setting where God's ability to save is demonstrated. The battle was preceded by King Asa's prayer, where he proclaimed reliance on God against a great multitude 2 Chronicles 14:11.
- Victory Through Faith, Not Might: The location is tied to the principle that victory comes from the Lord. Asa's cry, "O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude," frames the ensuing battle as an act of faith 2 Chronicles 14:11.
- A Testament to God's Help: The events at Zephathah underscore the theme that God helps those with no power of their own against many, a core element of Asa's appeal to the LORD 2 Chronicles 14:11.
In summary, H6859 Tsᵉphâthâh is a specific place name, the "valley of Zephathah," mentioned just once in Scripture. Its importance is not in the name itself, but in its unchangeable association with the battle where King Asa H609 trusted in God for victory. The location serves as a permanent geographical marker for a narrative that highlights divine intervention in response to faith, illustrating how even a minor location can be the stage for a profound theological lesson.
TRV