The Hebrew word Siphmôwth H8224 is the name for Siphmoth, a place in Palestine. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making its mention highly specific. The name itself is a feminine plural, but it is used to identify a particular town or location within the biblical narrative.
The single appearance of H8224 occurs in the context of David distributing the spoils of war. After his victory over the Amalekites, David sent a portion of the plunder to the elders of various cities in Judah. Siphmoth is included in this list of recipients, indicating it was a location whose people were allied with or supportive of David before he became king. The verse lists it among other southern towns: "And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa" 1 Samuel 30:28.
Several related words appear in the same context, helping to establish its geographical location:
- H6177 ʻĂrôwʻêr: Defined as Aroer, the name of three places in or near Palestine. It is mentioned immediately before Siphmoth in the list of cities that received spoils from David 1 Samuel 30:28.
- H851 ʼEshtᵉmôaʻ: Defined as Eshtemoa or Eshtemoh, a place in Palestine. It is listed directly after Siphmoth 1 Samuel 30:28 and is elsewhere identified as one of the cities given to the sons of Aaron in the territory of Judah 1 Chronicles 6:57.
The narrative significance of H8224 is tied directly to its singular context in the life of David.
- A Place of Allegiance: The inclusion of Siphmoth in the list of beneficiaries of David's victory highlights it as a place that was loyal to him during his wanderings. Sending the spoils was an act of gratitude and a means of strengthening political bonds.
- Southern Judah Connection: Being listed with Aroer H6177 and Eshtemoa H851 places Siphmoth within a network of towns in the southern part of Judah. This context anchors it to a specific region and historical moment in the formation of David's kingdom.
In summary, Siphmoth H8224 is a geographical marker with a very precise role in the biblical text. Although mentioned only once, its appearance is significant, identifying it as one of the communities that shared in David's triumph over the Amalekites. Its importance is derived entirely from this single historical event, where it is remembered as a recipient of the spoils of war alongside its neighboring towns 1 Samuel 30:28.
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