Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Helkath-hazzurim" is derived from Hebrew, where "Helkath" means "field" and "hazzurim" is often interpreted as "of the sharp blades" or "of the strong men." This name reflects the nature of the event that took place there, characterized by a fierce and deadly confrontation.

Biblical Reference:
Helkath-hazzurim is mentioned in the context of a significant and violent encounter between the forces of King David and those of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul. The account is found in 2 Samuel 2:12-17. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following description:

"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." (2 Samuel 2:12-17)

Historical and Theological Context:
The event at Helkath-hazzurim occurred during the early period of King David's reign, a time marked by civil strife and the struggle for power following the death of King Saul. The confrontation at Helkath-hazzurim was part of the larger conflict between the house of Saul, represented by Ish-bosheth and his commander Abner, and the house of David.

This encounter is significant as it highlights the intense rivalry and the brutal nature of warfare during this period in Israel's history. The duel between the young men from both sides, resulting in mutual destruction, underscores the futility and tragedy of such conflicts. The name "Helkath-hazzurim" serves as a somber reminder of the cost of division and the violence that can arise from political and familial disputes.

Geographical Location:
Helkath-hazzurim is located near the pool of Gibeon, a site of strategic importance in the tribal territory of Benjamin. Gibeon itself was a significant city, known for its large pool, which served as a gathering place for the opposing forces. The exact location of Helkath-hazzurim is not precisely identified in modern geography, but it is associated with the area around Gibeon, which is northwest of Jerusalem.

Significance in Biblical Narrative:
The event at Helkath-hazzurim is a pivotal moment in the narrative of David's rise to power. It illustrates the challenges he faced in uniting the tribes of Israel under his leadership. The defeat of Abner and the forces of Ish-bosheth at this location marked a turning point in the struggle for the throne, eventually leading to David's consolidation of power over all Israel.

Theologically, the passage reflects themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to David. Despite the chaos and bloodshed, the narrative demonstrates that God's purposes prevail, even amidst human conflict and ambition.Helkath-Hazzurim

the field of strong men, or of rocks

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.) HELKATH-HAZZURIM

hel'-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.

W. Ewing

2521. Chelqath Hatstsurim -- a place near the pool of Gibeon
... a place near the pool of Gibeon. Transliteration: Chelqath Hatstsurim Phonetic Spelling:
(khel-kath' hats-tsoo-reem') Short Definition: Helkath-hazzurim. ...
/hebrew/2521.htm - 6kHelkathhazzurim (1 Occurrence)
... GIBEON.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HELKATH-HAZZURIM. hel ... correct. W. Ewing.
Multi-Version Concordance Helkathhazzurim (1 Occurrence). 2 ...
/h/helkathhazzurim.htm - 9k

Helkath-hazzurim (1 Occurrence)
... Helkathhazzurim, Helkath-hazzurim. Hel'kath-hazzu'rim . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Helkathhazzurim, Helkath-hazzurim. Hel'kath-hazzu'rim . Reference Bible
/h/helkath-hazzurim.htm - 9k

Hel'kath-hazzu'rim (1 Occurrence)
Hel'kath-hazzu'rim. Helkath-hazzurim, Hel'kath-hazzu'rim. Helkias . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Helkath-hazzurim, Hel'kath-hazzu'rim. Helkias ...
/h/hel'kath-hazzu'rim.htm - 6k

Helkath (3 Occurrences)
... his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell
down together: therefore that place was called HelkathHazzurim, which is in ...
/h/helkath.htm - 8k

Gibeon (39 Occurrences)
... A "sore battle" ensued in which Abner was beaten; he was pursued by the fleet-footed
Asahel, brother of Joab, whom he slew. See HELKATH-HAZZURIM. ...
/g/gibeon.htm - 31k

Opponent's (1 Occurrence)
... his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell
down together: therefore that place was called HelkathHazzurim, which is in ...
/o/opponent's.htm - 6k

Opponent (13 Occurrences)
... his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell
down together: therefore that place was called HelkathHazzurim, which is in ...
/o/opponent.htm - 10k

Fellow's (3 Occurrences)
... his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell
down together: therefore that place was called HelkathHazzurim, which is in ...
/f/fellow's.htm - 7k

Dagger (6 Occurrences)
... his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell
down together: therefore that place was called HelkathHazzurim, which is in ...
/d/dagger.htm - 8k

Hazzurim (1 Occurrence)
... his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell
down together: therefore that place was called HelkathHazzurim, which is in ...
/h/hazzurim.htm - 6k

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