Hazerim
“Villages, hamlets, or enclosures”
Summary
Hazerim (meaning "villages" or "enclosures") was either a district or a description of the temporary dwellings of the Avvim in southwestern Palestine before the Caphtorim displaced them.
☩The Avvim's Settlements
The Hebrew word chatserim, translated "Hazerim" in some versions, may be a proper name or simply a common noun meaning "villages" or "hamlets." Deuteronomy 2:23 describes the Avvim (or Avites) as dwelling "in Hazerim as far as Gaza" before being expelled by the Caphtorim (Philistines). The Revised Version and other translations render it simply as "villages," indicating the temporary or semi-permanent encampments of these people.
☩Possible Connection to Hazar Towns
Schwarz suggested that "Hazerim" may be a collective designation for the many towns with names beginning with Hazar or Hazor found in southern Palestine—such as Hazar-gaddah and Hazar-susah, which appear to have been located near each other.
Related Verses1 mention
Deuteronomy· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hazerim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Hazerim," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Hazerim," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Hazerim," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).