חַצְצוֹן תָּמָר
Chatsetson-tamar, a place in Palestine
Definition
Chatsetson-tamar is a place name meaning 'division of the palm tree' or 'row of palm trees.' It was an ancient settlement in the region of Palestine, likely located in the arid area near the Dead Sea. In Genesis 14:7, it is listed among the cities attacked by the coalition of kings, suggesting it was a significant site in the time of Abraham. In 2 Chronicles 20:2, it is identified with En-gedi, a lush oasis, indicating it was a strategic location in the wilderness of Judah.
Biblical Usage
This proper noun is used only twice in the Old Testament. In Genesis 14:7, it appears in a historical narrative describing the route of invading kings. In 2 Chronicles 20:2, it is referenced as the gathering point for a coalition of enemies (Moabites, Ammonites, and others) advancing against King Jehoshaphat. Both uses are geographical, identifying a specific location in the southern region of Judah.
Etymology
The name is a compound of two Hebrew words: חָצַץ (chatsats, H2686), meaning 'to divide' or 'to cut,' possibly referring to a row or division, and תָּמָר (tamar, H8558), meaning 'palm tree.' Thus, the name likely describes a place characterized by a row or grove of palm trees, fitting for an oasis location like En-gedi.
Semantic Range
While primarily a geographical marker, Chatsetson-tamar's identification with En-gedi connects it to themes of God's provision in the wilderness. En-gedi is a place of refuge and sustenance (e.g., where David hid from Saul in 1 Samuel 24). Its mention in 2 Chronicles 20:2 sets the stage for a major story of divine deliverance, where Judah's victory comes through faith and worship, not military might, highlighting God's protection of His people in seemingly desolate places.
In the ancient Near East, place names often described physical features. A name meaning 'row of palm trees' would immediately signal a rare, fertile oasis in a dry region, a vital resource for travel, trade, and survival. Its association with En-gedi, known for its springs and date palms, confirms this cultural understanding of the name as denoting a valuable and recognizable landmark.
En-gedi (‛Ên Gedîy, H5872) — The oasis spring later identified with Chatsetson-tamar. Tamar (Tâmâr, H8559) — Another place name meaning 'palm tree,' located differently (Ezekiel 47:19).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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