Halhul
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Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning
Halhul is a name of Hebrew origin, which is often understood to mean "trembling" or "to be troubled." The etymology reflects the ancient Hebrew roots, with "hal" suggesting movement or trembling, and "hul" indicating a sense of travail or labor.

Biblical References
Halhul is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is listed among the cities in the hill country of Judah. The relevant passage is Joshua 15:58, which states: "Halhul, Beth-zur, and Gedor."

Geographical Context
Halhul is situated in the hill country of Judah, an area known for its rugged terrain and strategic significance. The region is characterized by its elevation and natural fortifications, making it a valuable location for settlement and defense. Historically, the hill country of Judah was a central area for the tribes of Israel, providing both agricultural opportunities and protection from invading forces.

Historical Significance
In biblical times, Halhul was part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The city, along with others in the region, played a role in the establishment and consolidation of the Israelite presence in the Promised Land. The mention of Halhul in the context of the tribal allotments underscores its importance as part of the territorial organization of ancient Israel.

Archaeological Insights
Modern archaeological efforts have identified the site of Halhul with the present-day town of Halhul, located approximately 5 kilometers north of Hebron. The area is rich in historical artifacts, including ancient ruins and remnants of past civilizations, which provide insight into the life and culture of its ancient inhabitants.

Cultural and Religious Context
As a city within the territory of Judah, Halhul would have been influenced by the religious practices and cultural norms of the Israelites. The hill country of Judah was a center for worship and religious observance, with Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of Israel, located nearby. The proximity to Jerusalem likely influenced the religious life of Halhul's inhabitants, aligning them with the broader religious traditions of the Jewish people.

Modern Relevance
Today, Halhul remains a populated area, with its historical and biblical significance continuing to attract interest from scholars, archaeologists, and religious pilgrims. The enduring legacy of Halhul as part of the biblical narrative of the Promised Land highlights its role in the history of the Jewish people and its continued relevance in discussions of biblical geography and history.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Halhul

grief; looking for grief

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Halhul

(trembling), a town of Judah in the mountain district. (Joshua 16:68) The name still remains unaltered attached to a conspicuous hill a mile to the left of the road from Jerusalem to Hebron, between three and four miles from the latter.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Full of hollows, a town in the highlands of Judah (Joshua 15:58). It is now a small village of the same name, and is situated about 5 miles north-east of Hebron on the way to Jerusalem. There is an old Jewish tradition that Gad, David's seer (2 Samuel 24:11), was buried here.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HALHUL

hal'-hul (chalchul): A city in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:58), "Halhul, Beth-zur and Gedor." It is without doubt the modern Chalchul, a village on a hill, surrounded by fine fields and vineyards, some 4 miles North of Hebron and less than a mile to the East of the modern carriage road. It is conspicuous from a considerable distance on account of its ancient mosque, Wely Nebi Yulnas, the "shrine of the Prophet Jonah"-a tradition going back at least to the 14th century. The mosque, which has a minaret or tower, is built upon a rock platform artificially leveled. In the 14th century it was stated by Isaac Chilo (a Jewish pilgrim) that the tomb of Gad the Seer (1 Samuel 22:5 2 Samuel 24:11 f) was situated in this town. Beth-zur (Belt Sur) and Gedor (Jedur) are both near. In Josephus (BJ, IV, ix, 6) we read of an Alurus (where the Idumeans assembled), and in Jerome (OS 119 7) of a village Alula near Hebron, which both probably refer to the same place (PEF, III, 305; Sh XXI).

E. W. G. Masterman

Strong's Hebrew
2478. Chalchul -- a city in Judah
... 2477, 2478. Chalchul. 2479 . a city in Judah. Transliteration: Chalchul Phonetic
Spelling: (khal-khool') Short Definition: Halhul. ... Halhul. ...
/hebrew/2478.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Gedor (7 Occurrences)
... ge'-dor (gedhor; Codex Vaticanus, Geddor, Codex Alexandrinus, Gedor): (1) A town
in the mountains of Judah, named with Halhul and Beth-zur (Joshua 15:58). ...
/g/gedor.htm - 10k

Bethzur (4 Occurrences)
... beth'-zur (beth-tsur; Baith-sour, "house of rock"; less probably "house of the god
Zur"): (1) Mentioned (Joshua 15:58) as near Halhul and Gedor in the hill ...
/b/bethzur.htm - 9k

Beth-zur (4 Occurrences)
... beth'-zur (beth-tsur; Baith-sour, "house of rock"; less probably "house of the god
Zur"): (1) Mentioned (Joshua 15:58) as near Halhul and Gedor in the hill ...
/b/beth-zur.htm - 8k

Halhul (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HALHUL. ...Halhul (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:58 Halhul,
Beth Zur, Gedor, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/halhul.htm - 8k

Zur (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Joshua 15:58 Halhul, Beth Zur,
Gedor, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 ...
/z/zur.htm - 10k

Bethanoth (1 Occurrence)
... beth-a'-noth (beth`anoth; Baithanam, probably "House of Anath"-a god; Joshua
15:59): The ruin of Beit `Ainun, 1 1/2 miles Southeast of Halhul, in the ...
/b/bethanoth.htm - 7k

Beth-anoth (1 Occurrence)
... beth-a'-noth (beth`anoth; Baithanam, probably "House of Anath"-a god; Joshua
15:59): The ruin of Beit `Ainun, 1 1/2 miles Southeast of Halhul, in the ...
/b/beth-anoth.htm - 7k

Beth (115 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 15:58 Halhul, Beth Zur, Gedor, (WEB KJV JPS ASV
BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 15:59 Maarath, Beth ...
/b/beth.htm - 40k

Half-way (3 Occurrences)
Half-way. Halfway, Half-way. Halhul . Multi-Version Concordance Half-way (3
Occurrences). ... (BBE). Halfway, Half-way. Halhul . Reference Bible.
/h/half-way.htm - 7k

Hali (1 Occurrence)

/h/hali.htm - 7k

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