Lexical Summary Tseltsach: Brightness, Splendor Original Word: צֶלְצַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zelzah From tsel and tsach; clear shade; Tseltsach, a place in Palestine -- Zelzah. see HEBREW tsel see HEBREW tsach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a place in Benjamin NASB Translation Zelzah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs צֶלְצַח proper name, of a location in Benjamin 1 Samuel 10:2 (si vera 1.; probably corrupt (Dr); HPS conjectures מִצֵּלַע, compare 2 Samuel 21:14). I, II. [צִלְצָל], צְלָצַ֑ל, צֶלְצְלִיםsee I. צלל. Topical Lexicon Biblical Reference and Rarity Tseltsach (transliterated “Zelzah”) is mentioned only once, in 1 Samuel 10:2, where it designates the spot near Rachel’s tomb that Samuel named to Saul as the first of three confirming signs of his divine appointment as Israel’s king: “When you leave me today, you will find two men near Rachel’s tomb at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin…”. Geographic Context Rachel’s tomb (Genesis 35:19) lies just north of Bethlehem but is also close to the southern border of Benjamin (Joshua 18:13–28). Zelzah therefore occupied the transitional ridge country that linked Judah and Benjamin. Several proposals place it near modern Nabi Samwil or along the main north–south ridge route; exact identification is uncertain, yet its description as lying on a tribal border reinforces the narrative symbolism of crossing from private life to national service. Historical Setting in Israel’s Early Monarchy Samuel had secretly anointed Saul (1 Samuel 10:1). To assure the hesitant Benjamite that the call was genuine, the prophet named three highly specific encounters. Zelzah supplied the first: Saul would learn that the lost donkeys were found and that his father now worried for him (10:2). The fulfillment of this minute detail—recorded in 10:9—validated Samuel’s authority, calmed Saul’s anxiety, and launched the kingdom. Rachel’s tomb deepened the scene’s pathos: Rachel died bearing Benjamin (Genesis 35:18), and Saul, a Benjamite, receives his first royal confirmation at the matriarch’s grave. Theological Themes and Ministry Applications 1. Trustworthiness of Prophetic Scripture Precise toponyms such as Zelzah underscore the Bible’s historical reliability; the detail could be falsified if incorrect. Its accuracy strengthens confidence that every word of God “proves true” (Proverbs 30:5). 2. Providence in the Ordinary Lost livestock, roadside strangers, and an unmarked tomb work together to reveal God’s plan. Ministry often begins amid commonplace errands rather than spectacular venues. 3. Covenant Continuity By linking Saul’s call to the grave of Benjamin’s mother, the narrative ties the young monarchy back to patriarchal promises, showing that God’s redemptive thread is unbroken from Genesis through the historical books. 4. Threshold Imagery A border site for a border moment: Saul crosses from anonymity to leadership, foreshadowing later biblical scenes where geographic thresholds mirror spiritual transitions (e.g., Joshua at the Jordan, Elijah at the Jordan). Typological and Prophetic Resonances • Rachel’s tomb later becomes a site of lament over exile (Jeremiah 31:15) and the massacre of Bethlehem’s infants (Matthew 2:18). By appearing in Saul’s commissioning, it links monarchy, exile, and messianic hope in one geographic memory. Lessons for Contemporary Discipleship • Expect God’s guidance to be both sovereign and specific; He orders steps down to the very place name. Summary Although confined to a single verse, Tseltsach/Zelzah functions as a strategic proof-point in Scripture. By sealing Samuel’s prophetic word and anchoring Saul’s anointing in covenant history, it testifies to a God who rules geography, genealogy, and governance alike. For readers and ministers today, Zelzah models the meticulous fidelity of God’s word, calling every disciple to trust Him in both the ordinary paths and the pivotal borders of life. Forms and Transliterations בְּצֶלְצַ֑ח בצלצח bə·ṣel·ṣaḥ bəṣelṣaḥ betzelTzachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 10:2 HEB: בִּגְב֥וּל בִּנְיָמִ֖ן בְּצֶלְצַ֑ח וְאָמְר֣וּ אֵלֶ֗יךָ NAS: of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say KJV: of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say INT: the territory of Benjamin Zelzah will say about 1 Occurrence |
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