Azem is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the land of Canaan. It is identified as a town in the southern part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah and later associated with the tribe of Simeon. The name "Azem" is thought to mean "bone" or "stronghold," reflecting its possible significance as a fortified site or a place of strength.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:29 · In the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, Azem is listed among the towns in the southernmost region of Judah's inheritance. The verse states: "Baalah, Iim, Ezem," indicating its inclusion in the broader geographical context of Judah's territory.

2. Joshua 19:1-3 · Azem is again mentioned in the context of the allotment for the tribe of Simeon. The passage notes: "The second lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Simeon: Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah. It included: Beersheba (or Sheba), Moladah, Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem," . This indicates that Azem was part of the inheritance of Simeon, which was situated within the larger territory of Judah.

3. 1 Chronicles 4:28-32 · The Chronicler provides a genealogical and geographical account of the descendants of Simeon, listing Azem among the towns they inhabited. The passage reads: "They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David." . This suggests that Azem was a significant settlement during the period of the united monarchy.

Historical and Archaeological Context:

The exact location of Azem is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the Negev region, south of Beersheba. The Negev was a semi-arid area that required strategic management of resources, and towns like Azem would have been important for maintaining control over the southern frontier of Israelite territory.

Azem's mention in the context of both Judah and Simeon reflects the fluid nature of tribal boundaries and settlements in ancient Israel. The integration of Simeonite towns within Judah's territory suggests a close relationship between these tribes, possibly due to shared interests in the defense and development of the southern regions.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Azem in the tribal allotments underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. Each town and region, including Azem, represents a tangible manifestation of God's covenant with the patriarchs, as the Israelites took possession of the land promised to their ancestors.

Azem, like many other towns listed in the tribal allotments, serves as a reminder of the historical reality of the Israelites' settlement in Canaan and the divine orchestration of their inheritance. The inclusion of such towns in the biblical narrative highlights the importance of land and place in the unfolding account of God's people.Azem

(bone), a city in the extreme south of Judah, (Joshua 15:29) afterwards allotted to Simeon. (Joshua 19:3) Elsewhere it is EZEM.

AZEM

a'-zem: the King James Version form for Ezem (thus the Revised Version (British and American)) (Joshua 15:29; Joshua 19:3).

6107. Etsem -- "bone," a place in the Negev of Judah
... Azem, Ezem. The same as etsem; bone; Etsem, a place in Palestine -- Azem, Ezem.
see HEBREW etsem. 6106, 6107. Etsem. 6108 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6107.htm - 6k

Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
... behold, these are Judah." (Here is a mistake of the transcribers, for it should
be written, of Dan, Joshua 19:44.) "Baalah, and Jiim, and Azem,"behold, these ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 45 emmaus kiriath-jearim.htm

Azem (2 Occurrences)
...AZEM. a'-zem: the King James Version form for Ezem (thus the Revised Version (British
and American)) (Joshua 15:29; Joshua 19:3). ...Azem (2 Occurrences). ...
/a/azem.htm - 7k

Azel (5 Occurrences)

/a/azel.htm - 8k

Azephurith
Azephurith. Azem, Azephurith. Azetas . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
az-e-fu'-rith. See ARSIPHURITH. Azem, Azephurith. Azetas . Reference Bible.
/a/azephurith.htm - 6k

Simeon (48 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:28, 31 are (the names in parentheses are variations in the latter
reference): Beer-sheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, Balah (Bilhah), Azem (the King ...
/s/simeon.htm - 35k

Hazarshual (4 Occurrences)
... Hazarshual (4 Occurrences). Joshua 15:28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,
(KJV). Joshua 19:3 And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem, (KJV JPS). ...
/h/hazarshual.htm - 7k

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