Lexical Summary Chalchul: Chalchul Original Word: חַלְחוּל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Halhul By reduplication from chuwl; contorted; Chalchul, a place in Palestine -- Halhul. see HEBREW chuwl NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a city in Judah NASB Translation Halhul (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חַלְחוּל proper name, of a location town in Judah, Joshua 15:58 LagOnom. 119. 7, 2nd ed. 152 Elul in tribu Iuda, compare Alula juxta Chebron; modern „alµûl, 1 2-Janhour (3 2-Janmiles) north from Hebron, see Di (and references) Bl RobBR iii. 281 f. GuérinJudée iii. 284 ff. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Halhul is generally understood as “quivering” or “trembling,” a possible allusion to its lofty elevation or an earlier event preserved in memory by the name itself. Location and Geography Situated in the hill country of Judah roughly five kilometers (three miles) north-northwest of Hebron, Halhul stands on a ridge almost a thousand meters above sea level. The site commands broad views toward the Judean highlands and the coastal plain, marking it as a natural lookout and a strategic stop along the ancient north–south route that linked Hebron with Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Springs and fertile terraces around the hill supported vineyards and grain fields, enabling a settled agricultural community. Biblical Context Joshua 15:58 lists Halhul among the “six cities, along with their villages” allotted to the tribe of Judah: “Halhul, Beth-zur, Gedor— six cities, along with their villages.” (Berean Standard Bible) The verse places Halhul in the same cluster as Beth Zur and Gedor, towns forming a defensive arc north of Hebron. Though Halhul is cited only once, its inclusion in a military-oriented catalog underscores Judah’s need to fortify approaches to Hebron, the tribe’s first capital (Joshua 14:13; 2 Samuel 2:1). Historical Developments after the Old Testament 1. Kingdom period: Control of the ridge routes remained critical through the monarchies of Judah and Israel. Halhul’s height and water made it a natural watch-tower against Philistine, Edomite, or northern advances. Archaeological Evidence Survey and excavation have uncovered Iron Age pottery, rock-cut cisterns, and the foundations of rectangular structures consistent with Israelite four-room houses. Byzantine mosaics and a fifth-century church attest to the village’s persistence and the spread of Christian worship in the region. While finds remain limited, the material culture aligns with Scripture’s portrayal of a fortified, agriculturally stable Judahite town. Theological and Ministry Applications 1. God’s faithfulness in the allotment: Halhul’s single mention reinforces the precision of divine promise-keeping—every village and field apportioned to Judah was known to the LORD (Joshua 21:43-45). Modern Relevance The present-day Palestinian town of Halhul retains the ancient name, testifying to Scripture’s geographic accuracy. Believers visiting the site can trace the outlines of biblical history, reflect on God’s unchanging promises to His people, and renew their commitment to stand firm on the high ground of faith. Forms and Transliterations חַלְח֥וּל חלחול chalChul ḥal·ḥūl ḥalḥūlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 15:58 HEB: חַלְח֥וּל בֵּֽית־ צ֖וּר NAS: Halhul, Beth-zur and Gedor, KJV: Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor, INT: Halhul Beth-zur and Gedor 1 Occurrence |
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