or צְרֵדָתָה; apparently from an unused root meaning to pierce; puncture; Tseredah, a place in Palestine; Zereda, Zeredathah.
Transliteration:Tsᵉrêdâh
Pronunciation:tser-ay-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צְרֵדָה (Tsᵉrêdâh, `{{H6868}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. The Strong's definition suggests an etymological connection to an "unused root meaning to pierce; puncture." While this etymology might describe a physical characteristic of the location (e.g., a rocky or rugged terrain), its primary semantic function in biblical texts is to denote a specific locale in ancient Palestine. The entry also notes a variant form, צְרֵדָתָה (Tsᵉrêdathah), which appears in a distinct biblical context, suggesting either a slightly different location, a broader region, or simply an alternative spelling for the same place depending on the specific passage and scholarly interpretation. As a place name, its core meaning is its identity as a fixed point on the landscape, significant for the events or individuals associated with it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צְרֵדָה (Tsᵉrêdâh, `{{H6868}}`) appears in two distinct contexts within the Hebrew Bible, though one is the variant form:
1. **[[1 Kings 11:26]]**: "Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, also rebelled against the king."
* Here, Zereda is identified as the hometown of Jeroboam, the pivotal figure who would become the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the monarchy's division. The designation "Ephrathite of Zereda" places Zereda within the tribal territory of Ephraim, a dominant tribe in the northern kingdom. This association imbues Zereda with profound historical significance as the origin point of a major political and religious schism in Israel's history. Jeroboam's subsequent establishment of golden calves at Bethel and Dan marked a significant deviation from Yahwistic worship, making his origin a point of interest for understanding the roots of this apostasy.
2. **[[2 Chronicles 4:17]]**: "In the plain of Jordan the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah."
* This passage, utilizing the variant צְרֵדָתָה (Tsᵉrêdathah), describes the location where the bronze articles for Solomon's Temple were cast. The "plain of Jordan" was known for its suitable clay deposits. This context presents Zeredathah as a site of significant industrial activity related to the construction of the sacred Temple in Jerusalem. Unlike the association with Jeroboam's rebellion, this occurrence links Zeredathah to the constructive and divinely ordained work of building God's dwelling place. The geographical setting, "between Succoth and Zeredathah," places it in the Jordan Valley, distinct from the likely location of Jeroboam's Zereda in the Ephraimite hill country. While Strong's links these as variations of the same lemma, their distinct geographical and historical contexts suggest they might be different places sharing a similar name or a name applied to a broader region.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, צְרֵדָה (Tsᵉrêdâh, `{{H6868}}`) does not have direct lexical relatives in the same way common nouns do. However, its significance is deeply intertwined with several key biblical concepts and figures:
* **Place Names in Biblical Narrative:** Like many biblical place names (e.g., Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Dan, Beersheba), Zereda serves to anchor historical events and individuals to specific geographical locations, providing concrete settings for the unfolding of God's plan and human history.
* **Jeroboam I:** The primary association of Zereda is with Jeroboam, a figure whose life and actions profoundly shaped the trajectory of Israelite history. Understanding Zereda requires an understanding of Jeroboam's rise, his initial divine commissioning, and his ultimate failure to adhere to the covenant.
* **Divided Monarchy:** Zereda stands as the birthplace of the king who precipitated the division of the united monarchy, leading to the establishment of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and its distinct religious and political identity.
* **Temple Construction:** The mention of Zeredathah in 2 Chronicles links it to the grand project of building Solomon's Temple, a central act of worship and the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people. This highlights themes of craftsmanship, resources, and divine provision.
* **Ephraim:** Jeroboam's tribal affiliation places Zereda within the territory of Ephraim, a tribe that often played a prominent role in the northern kingdom's affairs and was frequently a target of prophetic critique.
* **Idolatry and Apostasy:** Jeroboam's actions, originating from Zereda, set a pattern of idolatry for the Northern Kingdom, leading to its eventual downfall.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צְרֵדָה (Tsᵉrêdâh, `{{H6868}}`) is primarily derived from its associations rather than its etymological root.
1. **The Origin of Human Agency and Divine Plan:** Zereda serves as the birthplace of Jeroboam, a man chosen by God to lead a significant portion of Israel ([[1 Kings 11:29-39]]). This highlights God's sovereign hand in raising up leaders from specific, often humble, origins. Yet, Jeroboam's subsequent apostasy demonstrates the tragic reality of human free will and its capacity to deviate from divine purpose, even when initially blessed. Zereda, therefore, becomes a quiet witness to the interplay of divine election and human responsibility.
2. **Contrasting Contexts of Human Endeavor:** The two occurrences of Zereda/Zeredathah present a striking theological contrast. On one hand, Zereda is linked to the origins of a king who led Israel into idolatry and division, symbolizing the corrupting influence of human leadership when it deviates from God's commands. On the other hand, Zeredathah is associated with the crafting of sacred objects for the Temple, symbolizing human skill and labor consecrated to God's worship and the establishment of His dwelling place. This juxtaposition, whether referring to the same or different places, subtly underscores the dual capacity of human endeavor: to build up God's kingdom or to tear it down through disobedience.
3. **God's Provision Amidst Human Failure:** Even as the narrative unfolds with the tragic division of the kingdom, the materials for the Temple—the very heart of Israel's worship—were meticulously prepared, with Zeredathah playing a part. This demonstrates God's enduring provision and faithfulness, ensuring the means for worship even as His people faced internal strife and spiritual decline.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma צְרֵדָה (Tsᵉrêdâh, `{{H6868}}`), also appearing as צְרֵדָתָה (Tsᵉrêdathah), is a significant biblical place name. While its suggested etymological root of "pierce" or "puncture" is speculative, its importance lies in its specific associations within the biblical narrative. In [[1 Kings 11:26]], Zereda is identified as the hometown of Jeroboam I, the first king of the Northern Kingdom and a pivotal figure in the division of the monarchy and the introduction of widespread idolatry. This connection imbues Zereda with historical weight as the origin point of a major schism and subsequent spiritual decline. In [[2 Chronicles 4:17]], the variant Zeredathah is mentioned as the location in the Jordan Valley where the bronze articles for Solomon's Temple were cast, linking it to the sacred craftsmanship and divine provision for God's dwelling place. These distinct associations highlight the complex interplay of human leadership, divine purpose, and the varied contexts in which human actions, whether for good or ill, unfold within God's overarching plan.
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