Topical Encyclopedia Helkathhazzurim is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of a significant and violent encounter between the forces of King David and those loyal to Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul. The name "Helkathhazzurim" is often translated as "Field of Swords" or "Field of Sharp Edges," reflecting the deadly nature of the event that took place there.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Helkathhazzurim is found in 2 Samuel 2:12-17. This passage describes a confrontation between the forces of Joab, the commander of David's army, and Abner, the commander of Ish-bosheth's forces. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account: "Then Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul left Mahanaim and marched to Gibeon. So Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And they sat down, one group on one side of the pool and the other on the opposite side. Then Abner said to Joab, 'Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.' 'Let them get up,' Joab replied. So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David. Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, was called Helkath-hazzurim. The battle that day was very fierce, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David." Historical and Theological Context: The event at Helkathhazzurim occurred during a period of civil war in Israel following the death of King Saul. David had been anointed king over the tribe of Judah, while Ish-bosheth, supported by Abner, was made king over the other tribes of Israel. The encounter at Helkathhazzurim was part of the ongoing struggle for power between the house of Saul and the house of David. Theologically, this event underscores the theme of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises. David had been chosen by God to be king over all Israel, and despite the temporary division and conflict, God's plan was ultimately to unite the kingdom under David's rule. The violent clash at Helkathhazzurim serves as a reminder of the human cost of political ambition and the consequences of strife within God's chosen people. Cultural and Literary Significance: The name "Helkathhazzurim" itself is evocative, capturing the brutal and deadly nature of the encounter. The narrative is a vivid example of the literary style of the Deuteronomistic history, which often includes detailed accounts of battles and personal combat to illustrate larger theological and moral lessons. In the broader cultural context, the account of Helkathhazzurim reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of representative combat, where selected champions from opposing sides would engage in battle to determine the outcome of a larger conflict. This practice is seen in other biblical narratives, such as the famous duel between David and Goliath. Lessons and Reflections: For readers and believers, the account of Helkathhazzurim offers several lessons. It highlights the destructive nature of division and the importance of seeking unity under God's ordained leadership. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the pursuit of power at the expense of peace and righteousness. The account encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even amidst conflict and uncertainty. Smith's Bible Dictionary Helkathhazzurim(field of rock), a smooth piece of ground, apparently close to the pool of Gibeon, where the combat took place between the two parties of Joab's men and Abner's men which ended in the death of the whole of the combatants, and brought on a general battle. (2 Samuel 2:16) ATS Bible Dictionary HelkathhazzurimField of heroes, a place near Gibeon, so named from a fatal duel- like combat, preceding a battle between the armies of David and Ish- bosheth, 2 Samuel 2:16. Easton's Bible Dictionary Plot of the sharp blades, or the field of heroes, (2 Samuel 2:16). After the battle of Gilboa, so fatal to Saul and his house, David, as divinely directed, took up his residence in Hebron, and was there anointed king over Judah. Among the fugitives from Gilboa was Ish-bosheth, the only surviving son of Saul, whom Abner, Saul's uncle, took across the Jordan to Mahanaim, and there had him proclaimed king. Abner gathered all the forces at his command and marched to Gibeon, with the object of wresting Judah from David. Joab had the command of David's army of trained men, who encamped on the south of the pool, which was on the east of the hill on which the town of Gibeon was built, while Abner's army lay on the north of the pool. Abner proposed that the conflict should be decided by twelve young men engaging in personal combat on either side. So fiercely did they encounter each other that "they caught every man his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim." The combat of the champions was thus indecisive, and there followed a severe general engagement between the two armies, ending in the total rout of the Israelites under Abner. The general result of this battle was that "David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker" (2 Samuel 3:1). (see GIBEON.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HELKATH-HAZZURIMhel'-kath-haz'-u-rim, -ha-zu'-rim (chelqath ha-tsurim; Meris ton epiboulon): The name as it stands means "field of the sword edges," and is applied to the scene of the conflict in which twelve champions each from the army of Joab and that of Abner perished together, each slaying his fellow (2 Samuel 2:16). Some, following Septuagint, would read chelqath ha-tsodhim, "field of the crafty," i.e. "of the ambush." Thenius suggested chelqath ha-tsarim, "field of the adversaries" (see also H. P. Smith, ICC, "Samuel," 271). Probably, however, the text as it stands is correct. Thesaurus Helkathhazzurim (1 Occurrence)... 271). Probably, however, the text as it stands is correct. W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Helkathhazzurim (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel ... /h/helkathhazzurim.htm - 9k Helkath-hazzurim (1 Occurrence) Helkath (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Helkathhazzurim (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 2:16 Subtopics Related Terms Helkath-hazzurim (1 Occurrence) |
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