Helkath Hazzurim
“Field of the rocks; or field of the strong men; or field of swords”
Summary
Helkath Hazzurim was a place near the pool of Gibeon where a deadly combat between twelve men of Ishbosheth and twelve of David resulted in all twenty-four being killed, sparking a general battle.
☩The Combat
Helkath Hazzurim was the name given to the smooth ground near the pool of Gibeon where Abner's men and Joab's men met. When Abner proposed that young men arise and 'play before them,' twelve from each side engaged in mortal combat. Each man caught his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent's side, so that all twenty-four fell together. This prelude brought on a general engagement in which Abner's forces were defeated and Asahel was killed.
☩The Name
The meaning of the name is debated. The Vulgate renders it 'field of the strong men,' while Gesenius suggested 'field of swords.' The Septuagint apparently read it as 'field of the plotters' or 'ambushers.' Others derive it from 'rock,' suggesting it was a smooth, rock-like surface. The place marked a significant moment in the civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David.
Related Verses1 mention
2 Samuel· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Helkath-hazzurim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Helkath Hazzurim," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Helkathhazzurim," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).