The Hebrew word Shachătsôwm, represented by H7831, is the name for a place in Palestine. Its base definition suggests the concept of "proudly," and it is also rendered as Shahazimah. The name appears only 1 time in the entire Bible, located in a single verse that details geographical boundaries.
The sole appearance of Shahazimah H7831 is in the book of Joshua, where it is listed as a landmark defining a tribal territory. The verse states that the coast H1366 reaches to specific locations, including Tabor H8396, Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh H1053. This boundary line, which includes sixteen cities H5892 and their villages H2691, has its outgoings H8444 at the Jordan H3383, marking a clear and specific border Joshua 19:22.
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify its function as a geographical marker:
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (border): This word, meaning a boundary or the territory enclosed, is essential for understanding the purpose of listing Shahazimah. It frames the location as part of a divinely appointed border Joshua 19:22.
- H8396 Tâbôwr (Tabor): Listed directly beside Shahazimah, Tabor is a well-known mountain and city in Palestine. Its inclusion helps situate Shahazimah within a known geographical region (Joshua 19:22, Psalms 89:12).
- H8444 tôwtsâʼâh (outgoings): This term describes an exit or boundary. In its only appearance with Shahazimah, it marks the termination point of the border at the Jordan river Joshua 19:22. Figuratively, it can also refer to the "issues" of life Proverbs 4:23.
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): Defined as a city or town, this word provides scale to the territory outlined by Shahazimah. The border contained sixteen cities with their villages, indicating a significant allotment of land Joshua 19:22.
While mentioned only once, the inclusion of H7831 carries significance within the biblical narrative of God's covenant promises.
- Fulfillment of Inheritance: The meticulous listing of specific towns like Shahazimah serves as a tangible record of God fulfilling His promise to give the land of Canaan to Israel. The verse details a specific border H1366 reaching H6293 this location as part of that fulfillment Joshua 19:22.
- Divine Order: The act of establishing a coast with precise markers like Shahazimah, Tabor H8396, and Bethshemesh H1053 demonstrates a theme of divine order and the clear establishment of boundaries for God's people.
- A Named Place in History: The recording of Shahazimah ensures that even minor locations within Israel's promised inheritance are given a place in the historical and sacred account, confirming the reality of the events described.
In summary, H7831 is the name of a town, Shahazimah, that functions as a specific geographical point in the Old Testament. Its singular mention in scripture is not a measure of its insignificance but rather a testament to the detailed and faithful way God's promises of land and inheritance were recorded. The name is forever preserved as part of a border that reached from Tabor to the Jordan, marking out a portion of the territory for God's people Joshua 19:22.
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