Lexical Summary Tsenan: Tsenan Original Word: צְנָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zenan Probably for Tsa'anan; Tsenan, a place near Palestine -- Zenan. see HEBREW Tsa'anan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as tson Definition a place in the Shephelah of Judah, perhaps the same as NH6630 NASB Translation Zenan (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical ReferenceJoshua 15:37 lists צְנָן (Zenan) among the towns allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Shephelah: “Zenan, Hadashah, Migdal-gad,” (Berean Standard Bible). Location within the Shephelah The Shephelah is the lowland corridor between the Judean hill country and the Philistine plain. Zenan is grouped with towns situated in the south-western sector of that region. A widely accepted identification is Khirbet Zanuta (about twenty kilometers south-west of Hebron), whose pottery and architectural remains date from the Bronze and Iron Ages through the Byzantine period. Its position on a ridge overlooking key valleys accords with Judah’s need for agricultural land and defensive watch-points against Philistine incursions. Historical Context 1. Settlement Strategy Joshua 15 describes Judah’s inheritance in concentric zones moving westward from the hill country. Inclusion of a small site such as Zenan shows that the tribal allotment took in not only strategic strongholds but also agrarian villages that would feed larger centers like Hebron and Lachish. 2. Covenant Fulfillment The catalog of towns demonstrates the faithfulness of God in granting Israel the land He promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). Recording even minor villages underscores the precision of divine providence; nothing in Israel’s inheritance was accidental or overlooked. 3. Post-Conquest Continuity Archaeological traces at Khirbet Zanuta reveal ongoing occupation during the Kingdom period, suggesting that Zenan likely remained under Judean control through the monarchic era. Although the Biblical text offers no narrative episodes set there, its continued habitation would have contributed manpower, produce, and military levies to Judah’s national life. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. God Values the Ordinary Zenan appears only once, yet its mention places it forever in sacred history. Pastors and teachers can draw encouragement for small congregations or seemingly insignificant ministries: the Lord’s record book includes every faithful outpost (Hebrews 6:10). 2. Completeness of Scripture The meticulous town lists in Joshua confirm the reliability of Scripture’s historical claims. Preachers may appeal to Zenan when defending Biblical inerrancy, showing that even peripheral data stand firm under archaeological scrutiny. 3. Community and Inheritance Zenan’s presence in Judah’s allotment reminds believers that inheritance in Christ is corporate as well as individual (Ephesians 2:19-22). Every member—no matter how obscure—has a place prepared by God. Geopolitical Lessons • Frontier Vigilance: Situated near the Philistine borderlands, Zenan exemplifies how Judah’s rural communities formed a first line of defense, paralleling the church’s call to be watchful at the cultural frontiers (1 Peter 5:8-9). • Agricultural Stewardship: The Shephelah’s fertile terraces supplied grain and wine for temple offerings. Zenan’s farmers participated in sustaining worship at Jerusalem, illustrating the partnership between daily labor and sacred service (Colossians 3:23-24). Distinction from Zaanan Zenan (צְנָן, Strong’s 6799) should not be confused with Zaanan (צַעֲנָן, Strong’s 6631) mentioned in Micah 1:11. Despite phonetic similarity, the Hebrew spelling and prophetic context differ. Recognizing this guards against conflating historical Judahite villages with Micah’s poetic lament. Application for Today • Detail-oriented Bible study strengthens faith in God’s sovereignty over both grand narratives and minor details. Conclusion Though Zenan occupies but a single verse, it contributes to the tapestry of God’s redemptive history. Its legacy in the land of Judah speaks of covenant fidelity, the worth of humble labor, and the assurance that every believer—like every town within Judah’s borders—has a secure and meaningful place in the purposes of God. Forms and Transliterations צְנָ֥ן צנן ṣə·nān ṣənān tzeNanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 15:37 HEB: צְנָ֥ן וַחֲדָשָׁ֖ה וּמִגְדַּל־ NAS: Zenan and Hadashah and Migdal-gad, KJV: Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad, INT: Zenan and Hadashah and Migdal-gad |
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