### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bachurîym**, represented by `{{H980}}`, identifies **Bahurim**, a place in Palestine. Although the term is the masculine plural for **young men**, in its **5 appearances** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, it exclusively denotes this specific geographical location, which features prominently in the narrative of King David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Bahurim serves as a significant backdrop for moments of conflict and intrigue during David's reign. It is first introduced as the place from which Shimei, a man from the family of Saul's house, emerges to curse King David as he flees from Absalom [[2 Samuel 16:5]]. The town is also the destination to which Michal's weeping husband, Paltiel, follows her before being sent back by Abner [[2 Samuel 3:16]]. Later, Bahurim becomes a place of refuge for David's allies, where two men hide in a well within a man's court to escape Absalom's notice [[2 Samuel 17:18]]. The connection to Shimei from Bahurim is recalled years later in David's final instructions to Solomon [[1 Kings 2:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key figures and actions are directly associated with events at Bahurim:
* `{{H8096}}` **Shimʻîy** (Shimei): A famous Benjamite from the house of Saul, he is identified as being from Bahurim and is known for cursing David during his flight ([[2 Samuel 16:5]], [[2 Samuel 19:16]]).
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): Defined as loving, he is the king whose life intersects with Bahurim during times of intense personal and political turmoil, including his flight from Absalom and his interactions with Shimei [[2 Samuel 16:5]].
* `{{H7043}}` **qâlal** (to curse): This action defines the most notable event at Bahurim, where Shimei came forth and cursed David as he fled Jerusalem [[2 Samuel 16:5]].
* `{{H875}}` **bᵉʼêr** (well): A well in a man's court in Bahurim serves as the hiding place for David's loyal messengers, protecting them from Absalom's forces [[2 Samuel 17:18]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative importance of `{{H980}}` is tied to its role as a setting for pivotal moments in David's life.
* **Site of Animosity:** Bahurim is presented as a place of opposition to David, represented by Shimei of the house of Saul, who emerges from there to pronounce a grievous curse upon the fleeing king ([[2 Samuel 16:5]], [[1 Kings 2:8]]).
* **Place of Loyalty:** Despite the opposition from Shimei, Bahurim is also a place where loyalty to David is shown. A man provides his house and court as a refuge for David's spies, enabling them to escape detection [[2 Samuel 17:18]].
* **Landmark of Grief and Division:** The town is the backdrop for personal sorrow, as seen when Paltiel is forced to turn back from following his wife Michal [[2 Samuel 3:16]]. It symbolizes the lingering divisions between the tribe of Benjamin and David.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H980}}` is far more than a simple place name. Bahurim is a location consistently tied to the drama of King David's reign. It is a stage for public cursing, private grief, and life-saving loyalty. The events that take place there highlight the deep political divisions and personal challenges David faced, making Bahurim a memorable landmark in the biblical narrative of his kingdom.
TRV