Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: Hazar-shu'al is a name of Hebrew origin, which can be translated to mean "village of the fox" or "enclosure of the fox." The name reflects the common practice in ancient times of naming places after notable features or wildlife in the area. Biblical References: Hazar-shu'al is mentioned in the Old Testament as a location within the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. It appears in the context of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The specific references to Hazar-shu'al can be found in the following passages: · Joshua 15:28: "Hazar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah," . This verse lists Hazar-shu'al among the towns in the southern part of Judah's inheritance, indicating its geographical placement within the Negev region. · Joshua 19:3: "Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem," . Here, Hazar-shu'al is mentioned again in the context of the towns allocated to the tribe of Simeon. The tribe of Simeon's inheritance was within the territory of Judah, suggesting a shared or overlapping region. · 1 Chronicles 4:28: "They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual," . This passage refers to the descendants of Simeon and their settlements, reaffirming the location of Hazar-shu'al within the broader area of Judah. Historical and Geographical Context: Hazar-shu'al was situated in the Negev, a semi-arid region in the southern part of ancient Israel. The Negev was known for its challenging environment, characterized by limited water resources and harsh terrain. Despite these conditions, the area was inhabited and cultivated by the Israelites, who adapted to the environment through various means, including the construction of cisterns and terraces. The mention of Hazar-shu'al in the context of both Judah and Simeon suggests that it was a border town or a shared settlement between these two tribes. This reflects the fluid nature of tribal boundaries and the cooperative relationships that sometimes existed between the tribes of Israel. Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Hazar-shu'al has not been conclusively discovered, the general region of the Negev has yielded numerous findings that provide insight into the life and culture of the ancient inhabitants. Excavations in the area have uncovered remains of ancient settlements, fortifications, and agricultural installations, which illustrate the adaptability and resilience of the people living in this challenging environment. Theological Significance: Hazar-shu'al, like many other locations mentioned in the Bible, serves as a testament to the historical reality of the Israelite settlement in the Promised Land. It underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. The inclusion of such towns in the biblical narrative highlights the detailed nature of the territorial divisions and the importance of land inheritance in Israelite society. The references to Hazar-shu'al also reflect the broader theme of God's provision and faithfulness. Despite the arid and difficult conditions of the Negev, the Israelites were able to establish communities and thrive, demonstrating God's sustaining power and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. Concordance Hazar-shu'al (2 Occurrences)Joshua 15:28 Joshua 19:3 Thesaurus Hazar-shu'al (2 Occurrences)Hazar-shu'al. Hazar-shual, Hazar-shu'al. Ha'zar-shu'al . Multi-Version Concordance Hazar-shu'al (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:28 and ... /h/hazar-shu'al.htm - 6k Ha'zar-shu'al (2 Occurrences) Hazar-shual (4 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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