עִיר הַתְּמָרִים

Ir-hat-Temarim, a place in Palestine

Definition

עִיר הַתְּמָרִים (Ir-hat-Temarim) is a proper noun meaning 'City of the Palms' or 'City of the Date Palms.' It is a descriptive place name, not a city's official name, used to identify a location characterized by an abundance of palm trees. In the Old Testament, this term is used synonymously with Jericho, as seen in Deuteronomy 34:3 and Judges 3:13, where it poetically describes the lush oasis city. The name highlights the city's most notable geographical feature—its palm groves—which were a source of wealth and a defining landmark in the arid Jordan Valley.

Biblical Usage

This term appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times as an alternate name for Jericho. In Deuteronomy 34:3, Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, and the 'City of Palms' is listed among the territories of Judah. In Judges 3:13, the king of Moab, Eglon, conquers the 'City of Palms,' referring to Jericho. Its usage is exclusively geographical and descriptive, serving as a recognizable epithet for Jericho based on its physical environment.

Etymology

The name is a straightforward Hebrew construct phrase. It derives from עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892), meaning 'city,' and the plural form of תָּמָר (tâmâr, H8558), meaning 'palm tree,' specifically the date palm. The definite article הַ (ha-) is interpolated, yielding the literal translation 'the city of the palms.' This is a common Semitic naming convention for places distinguished by a prominent natural feature.

Semantic Range

While the name itself is primarily geographical, its association with Jericho connects it to significant theological themes. Jericho was the first city conquered by Israel in the Promised Land (Joshua 6), symbolizing God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant. Its description as the 'City of Palms' also evokes the land's fertility as a blessing from God (Deuteronomy 8:7-8). Understanding this epithet enriches the biblical imagery of Jericho not just as a fortress, but as a lush, God-given oasis.

In the ancient Near East, an oasis with palm trees was a vital source of life, providing shade, food (dates), and wood in a desert region. Calling Jericho the 'City of Palms' immediately communicated its value as a fertile and desirable settlement. This contrasts with a modern understanding of a city primarily by its political or architectural features. The name reflects an agrarian society's perspective, where identifying a location by its dominant and life-sustaining vegetation was practical and meaningful.

יְרִיחוֹ (Yᵉrîychôw, H3405) — The primary and more common name for the same city, Jericho.

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