The Hebrew word Tsârᵉthân H6891 designates Tsarethan, a place in Palestine. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This location is primarily identified with the Jordan Valley and plays a role in key historical and industrial events in Israel's narrative.
In its biblical occurrences, H6891 is noted for its geographical significance. During the crossing of the Jordan River, the waters H4325 that were coming down H3381 from above stood H5975 and rose up H6965 in a heap H5067 beside Zaretan, enabling the people to pass over H5674 opposite Jericho H3405 Joshua 3:16. Later, Zarthan is mentioned as being in the plain H3603 of Jordan H3383, where the king H4428 had items cast H3332 in the clay H4568 ground H127 between Succoth H5523 and Zarthan 1 Kings 7:46. It also served as a boundary marker for an administrative district which was by H681 Bethshean H1052 and beneath Jezreel H3157 1 Kings 4:12.
Several related words help establish the context and location of Zarthan:
- H3383 Yardên (Jordan): Defined as "a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine." Zarthan's identity is inextricably linked to this river, being located in the "plain of Jordan" 1 Kings 7:46 and the site near the miraculous river crossing Joshua 3:16.
- H5523 Çukkôwth (booths; Succoth): This place in Palestine is mentioned alongside Zarthan as marking the area in the Jordan plain where the king's metalwork was cast 1 Kings 7:46.
- H3603 kikkâr (plain): This term for a "circumjacent tract or region, especially the Ghor or valley of the Jordan" directly describes the topography of Zarthan's location 1 Kings 7:46.
- H1052 Bêyth Shᵉʼân (house of ease; Beth-Shean): Zarthan is noted as being by H681 this prominent city, which helps to pinpoint its location within an administrative district 1 Kings 4:12.
The significance of H6891 is primarily geographical and historical, marking sites of divine action and human industry.
- Miraculous Intervention: Zarthan is forever linked with God's miraculous power over nature. Its mention in the crossing of the Jordan highlights a foundational moment where God stopped the river's flow, allowing His people to enter the promised land Joshua 3:16.
- Royal Craftsmanship: The area between Succoth and Zarthan was known for its clay H4568 ground H127, making it an ideal industrial site for the king H4428 to cast H3332 bronze items for the temple, linking the location to the construction of God's house 1 Kings 7:46.
- Administrative Importance: Its use as a geographical marker in Solomon's kingdom demonstrates its recognition as a known landmark, essential for the organization and governance of Israel 1 Kings 4:12.
In summary, H6891 is a specific geographical location in Palestine that carries significant weight in the biblical account. Though mentioned only a few times, Zarthan is the backdrop for one of Israel's most profound miracles, a center for the skilled craftsmanship that adorned the temple, and a landmark within the organized kingdom. It illustrates how a place can become a testament to both God's power and the development of the nation of Israel.
TRV