apparently another form for צִרְעָה; Tsorah, a place in Palestine; Zareah, Zorah, Zoreah.
Transliteration:Tsorʻâh
Pronunciation:tsor-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צׇרְעָה (Tsorʻâh), designated by Strong's `{{H6881}}`, primarily functions as a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. Its base definition indicates it is "apparently another form for צִרְעָה" (tsir'ah), which is Strong's `{{H6880}}`. This etymological connection is crucial, as `{{H6880}}` means "hornet" or "wasp." Therefore, the name "Zorah" (as it is commonly transliterated in English Bibles) likely signifies "place of hornets" or "hornet-like place," perhaps due to a literal abundance of these insects or, metaphorically, indicating a place of intense activity, strategic importance, or even a location that was 'stinging' or 'troublesome' to adversaries. The various English transliterations, such as Zareah, Zorah, and Zoreah, reflect the nuances of rendering the Hebrew phonetics.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Zorah (Tsorʻâh) is mentioned numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the books of Joshua, Judges, and Chronicles, highlighting its significance in the tribal allocations and historical narratives of Israel.
Geographically, Zorah was a town situated in the Shephelah, the lowlands of Judah, bordering the territory of the tribe of Dan.
* **Tribal Inheritance:** It is first encountered as a town allotted to the tribe of Dan in the division of the land of Canaan ([[Joshua 19:41]]). This placement in the Danite territory is significant, as the tribe of Dan faced considerable pressure from the Philistines in the Shephelah, eventually leading to their migration northward.
* **Birthplace of Samson:** Zorah's most prominent biblical association is as the birthplace of Samson, the Nazirite judge of Israel. The angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah's wife in Zorah to announce Samson's miraculous birth ([[Judges 13:2]]). Samson's life and exploits, including his burial place, are deeply tied to Zorah and its vicinity ([[Judges 16:31]]).
* **Danite Migration:** The narrative of the Danite migration for a new inheritance frequently references Zorah and its neighboring town, Eshtaol. Spies were sent from Zorah and Eshtaol to scout new territory ([[Judges 18:2]]), and the 600 armed men who eventually migrated originated from these towns ([[Judges 18:8]], [[Judges 18:11]]).
* **Fortified City:** Centuries later, during the Divided Monarchy, King Rehoboam of Judah fortified Zorah as one of his strategic strongholds, underscoring its continued military importance due to its location ([[2 Chronicles 11:10]]).
* **Post-Exilic Inhabitation:** Even after the Babylonian exile, Zorah was re-inhabited by Judahites, indicating its enduring presence as a settlement ([[Nehemiah 11:29]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection to Tsorʻâh (`{{H6881}}`) is צִרְעָה (tsir'ah), `{{H6880}}`, meaning "hornet." This connection invites a deeper reflection on the symbolic use of "hornets" in biblical theology, where they often represent a divinely sent agent to drive out enemies or to inflict judgment ([[Exodus 23:28]], [[Deuteronomy 7:20]], [[Joshua 24:12]]). While Zorah is a place, its name's etymology might subtly evoke this concept, perhaps suggesting a place where divine intervention or judgment was manifest, or a place that was strategically 'stinging' to Israel's enemies.
Other related concepts include:
* **The Tribe of Dan:** Zorah was a key town for this tribe, whose struggles with Philistine oppression and subsequent migration are a significant part of the book of Judges.
* **The Shephelah:** This geographical region, characterized by its rolling hills and strategic passes, was a frequent battleground between Israel and the Philistines. Zorah's location within it made it a vital point of control.
* **Nazirite Vow:** Samson's birth in Zorah is linked to his Nazirite vow, a special consecration to God, which is a significant theme in the book of Judges.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Zorah (Tsorʻâh) is primarily derived from its role as the birthplace and home region of Samson, one of the judges raised by God to deliver Israel.
* **Divine Election and Providence:** Zorah serves as a testament to God's sovereign choice of specific individuals and locations for His redemptive purposes. The divine announcement of Samson's birth in Zorah ([[Judges 13]]) underscores God's active involvement in the history of Israel, even amidst their cycles of apostasy. It highlights that God's plan unfolds in specific, tangible places.
* **Covenant Faithfulness and Human Failure:** Samson's story, rooted in Zorah, is a microcosm of Israel's relationship with God during the period of the Judges. It illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to deliver His people, despite their own repeated failures and the personal shortcomings of their chosen deliverers.
* **Strategic Importance in God's Plan:** The continued mention of Zorah as a fortified city and a place of resettlement after the exile suggests that its strategic importance was recognized not only by human rulers but also implicitly by divine providence, as it remained a significant point in the land of promise.
### Summary
Tsorʻâh (`{{H6881}}`), commonly known as Zorah, is a geographically significant town in the Shephelah of ancient Judah, particularly associated with the tribe of Dan. Its name, potentially derived from the Hebrew for "hornet" (`{{H6880}}`), hints at a place of strategic intensity or divine action. Zorah's most enduring biblical legacy is its role as the birthplace of Samson, the judge whom God raised to deliver Israel from the Philistines. From its initial allocation to Dan in [[Joshua 19:41]] to its fortification by Rehoboam ([[2 Chronicles 11:10]]) and its repopulation after the exile ([[Nehemiah 11:29]]), Zorah consistently appears as a notable location in the unfolding narrative of God's interaction with His people. Its theological significance lies in its demonstration of divine providence, God's election of specific places for His purposes, and its connection to the complex interplay of human failure and divine faithfulness in Israel's history.
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