### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma **H8556** encompasses two closely related forms: תִּמְנַת חֶרֶס (Timnath Chereç) and its variant תִּמְנַת סֶרַח (Timnath Serah). The etymology reveals a compound word. The first element, תִּמְנָה (Timnah, `{{H8553}}`), signifies "portion" or "allotment," often referring to a designated territory or inheritance. The second element, חֶרֶס (Cheres, `{{H2775}}`), primarily denotes "sun." Thus, the base definition of the name is "portion of (the) sun." While "Cheres" can also refer to a potter's shard, the context of a place name strongly favors the meaning of "sun." The semantic range of **H8556** is highly specific, referring exclusively to a particular geographical location in ancient Palestine. The variation in the second element (חֶרֶס vs. סֶרַח) is likely a phonetic or scribal variant, with both forms identifying the same site.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
**H8556** appears in the historical books of Joshua and Judges, consistently referring to the designated inheritance and burial place of Joshua, the successor to Moses.
* In [[Joshua 19:50]], after the division of the land, the text states, "According to the word of the Lord they gave him the city that he asked, namely, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built the city and lived in it." This verse establishes the divine sanction for Joshua's inheritance and his active role in settling there.
* [[Joshua 24:30]] records Joshua's death and burial: "And they buried him in his own inheritance at Timnath-serah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the mountain of Gaash." This marks the completion of Joshua's earthly mission and his final resting place.
* A parallel account in [[Judges 2:9]] states, "And they buried him in his own inheritance at Timnath-heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the mountain of Gaash." This verse confirms the identity of the place, using the alternative form תִּמְנַת חֶרֶס (Timnath-heres), demonstrating the interchangeability of the two spellings for the same location.
The consistent context places Timnath-heres/serah in the tribal territory of Ephraim, emphasizing its significance as the personal allotment for the leader who oversaw the distribution of the entire land.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H8553}}` תִּמְנָה (Timnah):** The root for "portion" or "allotment," highlighting the concept of inherited land given by God, a central theme in the book of Joshua.
* **`{{H2775}}` חֶרֶס (Cheres):** "Sun." This element of the name is intriguing. While it could simply describe a topographical feature (e.g., a sunny slope), in a biblical context, "sun" often carries symbolic weight, representing divine light, glory, or even judgment. Its presence in Joshua's inheritance might subtly allude to divine favor or illumination.
* **Inheritance (נַחֲלָה, `{{H5159}}`):** The concept of *nachalah* is paramount in Joshua, signifying the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel regarding the land. Timnath-heres/serah serves as the personal embodiment of this promise for Joshua.
* **Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, `{{H3091}}`):** The city is inextricably linked to Joshua, the faithful leader who brought Israel into the Promised Land. His residence and burial there underscore his pivotal role in Israel's history.
* **Ephraim (אֶפְרַיִם, `{{H669}}`):** The prominent northern tribe in whose territory Timnath-heres/serah was situated, reflecting the geographical and tribal divisions of the land.
### Theological Significance
Timnath-heres/serah holds profound theological significance, primarily as a tangible symbol of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment:** As Joshua's personal inheritance, Timnath-heres/serah stands as a testament to the Lord's unwavering commitment to His covenant. Just as the entire land was given to Israel as an inheritance, so too was a specific portion allotted to their faithful leader, signifying that God's word is reliable and His promises are fully realized.
2. **Leadership and Legacy:** The fact that Joshua, the one who led the conquest and division of the land, chose to build and be buried in this specific place underscores his humility and devotion. His resting place in his allotted portion, rather than a grand monument, emphasizes the completion of his divinely appointed task and his integration into the very land he helped secure for Israel. It marks the end of an era of conquest and the beginning of the period of the Judges.
3. **Symbolism of "Portion of the Sun":** While the precise theological meaning of "portion of the sun" is not explicitly stated, it invites contemplation. The sun is a powerful biblical symbol of light, life, God's presence, and His sovereign rule. Joshua's inheritance, a "portion of the sun," could subtly suggest a divinely illuminated or blessed territory, reflecting the divine favor upon Joshua and the land itself. It might also subtly contrast with pagan sun worship, indicating that even a place named with "sun" is now under the dominion of Yahweh and His faithful servant.
### Summary
**H8556** refers to Timnath-heres (תִּמְנַת חֶרֶס) or Timnath-serah (תִּמְנַת סֶרַח), a place name meaning "portion of the sun," derived from `{{H8553}}` and `{{H2775}}`. This location, situated in the hill country of Ephraim, is uniquely significant as the personal inheritance and burial site of Joshua, the leader who brought Israel into the Promised Land. Its occurrences in [[Joshua 19:50]], [[Joshua 24:30]], and [[Judges 2:9]] consistently link it to the culmination of Joshua's ministry and the establishment of Israel in their land. Theologically, Timnath-heres/serah stands as a quiet but powerful witness to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the legacy of a devoted leader, and the secure establishment of Israel's inheritance.
TRV