The Hebrew word bizyôwthᵉyâh, represented by H964, is the name of a place in Palestine, Bizjothjah. Its name is derived from words meaning "contempts of Jah." This term is highly specific, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text.
The single appearance of H964 is in a geographical list found in the book of Joshua. In the context of detailing the towns of the land, the text states, "And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah" Joshua 15:28. It is presented as one of several locations, situated between the more frequently mentioned places of Hazarshual and Beersheba.
The immediate context of Bizjothjah connects it to two other locations:
- H2705 Hazar-shual: Defined as "village of (the) fox," this was a place in Palestine where people dwelt, as noted in 1 Chronicles 4:28 and Nehemiah 11:27.
- H884 Beer-sheba: Meaning "well of an oath," this was a significant landmark. It was a place of worship where Abraham called on the name of the Lord Genesis 21:33 and is often used to describe the full extent of the land of Israel, "from Dan even to Beersheba" Judges 20:1.
The significance of H964 is primarily derived from its name and location.
- A Name of Warning: The meaning of Bizjothjah, "contempts of Jah," stands out as a stark reminder or historical marker, though the specific events that led to this name are not detailed in the provided scriptures.
- Geographic Association: Its inclusion in the list at Joshua 15:28 places it in the company of prominent Old Testament sites. Being listed with Beer-sheba H884, a place associated with Abraham's faith Genesis 21:33 and Israel's journeys Genesis 46:1, anchors Bizjothjah within the sacred geography of the Israelite inheritance.
In summary, H964 is a unique place name mentioned once in scripture. While its narrative role is limited to a single geographical reference in Joshua 15:28, the name Bizjothjah itself carries a potent meaning of "contempts of Jah." Its primary function in the text is to help map out the regions of ancient Palestine alongside other towns like Hazar-shual and the significant site of Beer-sheba.
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