Lexical Summary Chalaq: Halak Original Word: חָלָק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Halak The same as chalaq; bare; Chalak, a mountain of Idumaea -- Halak. see HEBREW chalaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chalaq Definition "smooth," a mountain S. of the Dead Sea NASB Translation Halak (2). Topical Lexicon Designation and Meaning Chalaq appears only as the place-name “Mount Halak” in the conquest narrative of Joshua (Joshua 11:17; 12:7). The term evokes the idea of a “smooth” or “bare” mountain ridge, suggesting an exposed, easily recognizable landmark on the southern approaches to Canaan. Geographical Setting Mount Halak “ascends toward Seir” (Joshua 11:17), linking the Negev of southern Judah with the hill country of Edom. Joshua 12:7 lists it as the southernmost point of Israel’s victories, opposite Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon beneath Mount Hermon at the northern extreme. Together, the two sites trace a longitudinal axis that frames the entire land promised to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 15:18–21), effectively marking the southern and northern termini of the conquest. Biblical Narrative and Historical Significance 1. Boundary Marker of Fulfillment: By naming Mount Halak first in the catalogue of defeated kings (Joshua 12:7), the text underscores that Israel’s divinely mandated advance stretched from south to north without omission. Theological Themes • Comprehensive Victory: The sweep “from Mount Halak to Baal Gad” illustrates the totality of God’s deliverance, prefiguring Christ’s full and final triumph over every dominion (Colossians 2:15). Ministry Application • Spiritual Mapping: Pastors may draw on Mount Halak as an image of setting clear spiritual borders—rejecting compromise on the “southern frontiers” of personal holiness. Archaeological and Scholarly Considerations Exact identification remains debated. Proposed sites include Jebel Halaq and the cliffs overlooking the western Aravah. The mountain’s “smooth” descriptor could refer to chalky limestone terraces characteristic of the area. While the precise peak is uncertain, the scriptural function—as a southern landmark of conquest—stands unchallenged. Summary of Occurrences Joshua 11:17; 12:7—each time as the southern boundary of Joshua’s victorious campaign. Forms and Transliterations הֶֽחָלָק֙ הֶחָלָ֖ק החלק he·ḥā·lāq hechaLak heḥālāqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 11:17 HEB: מִן־ הָהָ֤ר הֶֽחָלָק֙ הָעוֹלֶ֣ה שֵׂעִ֔יר NAS: from Mount Halak, that rises KJV: [Even] from the mount Halak, that goeth up INT: from Mount Halak rises Seir Joshua 12:7 2 Occurrences |
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