Hazezon-tamar, also known as En-gedi, is a location of significant historical and biblical importance, mentioned in the Old Testament. The name "Hazezon-tamar" translates to "pruning of the palm" or "cutting of the palm," which reflects the area's rich vegetation, particularly its palm trees. This site is identified with the oasis of En-gedi, situated on the western shore of the Dead Sea.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 14:7 · Hazezon-tamar is first mentioned in the context of the military campaign of the four kings led by Chedorlaomer. The verse states: "Then they turned back to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who were living in Hazezon-tamar." This passage highlights the strategic importance of Hazezon-tamar as a settlement of the Amorites during the patriarchal period.

2. 2 Chronicles 20:2 · The location is also referenced during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The verse reads: "Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, 'A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; they are already in Hazezon-tamar' (that is, En-gedi)." This account underscores the military significance of Hazezon-tamar, as it was a staging ground for the Moabite and Ammonite coalition against Judah.

Geographical and Historical Context:

Hazezon-tamar, identified with En-gedi, is renowned for its natural beauty and resources. The oasis is fed by a perennial spring, making it a lush and fertile area amidst the arid surroundings of the Judean Desert. Historically, it served as a vital stop for travelers and a strategic military location due to its water supply and defensible terrain.

The area was known for its production of balsam and other valuable commodities, contributing to its economic significance in ancient times. The presence of palm trees and vineyards further attests to its agricultural productivity.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In addition to its historical and geographical importance, Hazezon-tamar holds cultural and religious significance. It is associated with the refuge of David when he fled from King Saul, as recorded in 1 Samuel 23:29. The wilderness of En-gedi provided a natural fortress for David and his men, highlighting its role as a place of sanctuary and divine providence.

The site is also mentioned in the Song of Solomon 1:14, where the beloved compares her lover to "a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi," symbolizing beauty and fertility.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological excavations at En-gedi have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Chalcolithic, Iron Age, and Roman periods. These findings provide evidence of continuous habitation and the area's enduring significance throughout history.

The remains of ancient synagogues, agricultural installations, and fortifications attest to the vibrant community life and the strategic importance of Hazezon-tamar in antiquity.

In summary, Hazezon-tamar, or En-gedi, is a site of profound biblical, historical, and cultural significance. Its mention in the Scriptures as a place of military, economic, and spiritual importance underscores its enduring legacy in the biblical narrative.Hazezon-Tamar

drawing near to bitterness

Hazezon-Tamar

See ENGEDI.

Pruning of the palm, the original name of the place afterwards called ENGEDI (q.v.), Genesis 14:7; called also HAZAZON-TAMAR (2 Chronicles 20:2). HAZEZON-TAMAR

haz'-e-zon-ta'-mar chatsatson tamar, Genesis 14:7 the King James Version; chatstson tamar, 2 Chronicles 20:2).

See HAZAZON-TAMAR.

2688. Chatsatson Tamar -- a place on the W. side of the Dead Sea
... Word Origin from chatsats and tamar Definition a place on the W. side of the Dead
Sea, the same as NH5872 NASB Word Usage Hazazon-tamar (2). Hazezon- tamar. ...
/hebrew/2688.htm - 6k

The Exile --Continued.
... Traces of the palm forests which, as its name indicates, were cleared for its site
(Hazezon Tamar, The palm-tree clearing) have been found, encrusted with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

Hazezontamar (1 Occurrence)
... 2). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HAZEZON-TAMAR. haz'-e ... TAMAR.
Multi-Version Concordance Hazezontamar (1 Occurrence). Genesis 14 ...
/h/hazezontamar.htm - 7k

Hazezon-tamar (2 Occurrences)
Hazezon-tamar. Hazezontamar, Hazezon-tamar. Haziel . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Hazezontamar, Hazezon-tamar. Haziel . Reference Bible.
/h/hazezon-tamar.htm - 7k

Cities (427 Occurrences)
... (3) In Genesis 14 the four kings coming up from Kadesh attacked the Amorites "that
dwelt in Hazezon-tamar" before reaching Sodom, and Hazezon-tamar is to be ...
/c/cities.htm - 91k

Ciccar
... (3) In Genesis 14 the four kings coming up from Kadesh attacked the Amorites "that
dwelt in Hazezon-tamar" before reaching Sodom, and Hazezon-tamar is to be ...
/c/ciccar.htm - 14k

Plain (113 Occurrences)
... (3) In Genesis 14 the four kings coming up from Kadesh attacked the Amorites "that
dwelt in Hazezon-tamar" before reaching Sodom, and Hazezon-tamar is to be ...
/p/plain.htm - 71k

Enmish'pat (1 Occurrence)
... 14:7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the
country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar. ...
/e/enmish'pat.htm - 6k

Engedi (6 Occurrences)
... It was at first called Hazezon-tamar (Genesis 14:7), a city of the Amorites. The
vineyards of Engedi were celebrated in Solomon's time (Cant. ...
/e/engedi.htm - 11k

Enmishpat (1 Occurrence)
... 14:7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the
country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar. ...
/e/enmishpat.htm - 6k

Smote (281 Occurrences)
... 14:7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the
country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar. ...
/s/smote.htm - 39k

Haziel (1 Occurrence)

/h/haziel.htm - 7k

Why did Amnon rape Tamar? Why didn't David punish Amnon? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Tamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Amnon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus