### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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