Original Word: חֶלְקַת הַצֻּרִים
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Chelqath hats-Tsu-riym
Pronunciation: khel-KATH hat-soo-REEM
Phonetic Spelling: (khel-kath' hats-tsoo-reem')
KJV: Helkath-hazzurim
NASB: Helkath-hazzurim
Word Origin: [from H2520 (חֶלקַת - Helkath) and the plural of H6697 (צּוּר צּוּר - rock), with the article inserted]

1. smoothness of the rocks
2. Chelkath Hats-tsurim, a place in Israel

Helkath-hazzurim

From Chelqath and the plural of tsuwr, with the article inserted; smoothness of the rocks; Chelkath Hats-tsurim, a place in Palestine -- Helkath-hazzurim.

see HEBREW Chelqath

see HEBREW tsuwr

Word Origin
from Chelqath and the pl. of tsur
Definition
a place near the pool of Gibeon
NASB Translation
Helkath-hazzurim (1).

חֶלְקַת הַצֻּרִים proper name, of a location a place near pool of Gibeon where Ishbosheth's men were killed by David's men under Joab 2 Samuel 2:16, ᵐ5 Μέρις τῶν ἐπιβούλων; on meaning of name see I. חֶלְקָה above

חֶלְקַת הַצֻּרִים — Helkath-hazzurim

Etymology and Sense

The phrase literally describes “the field of the flints (or sharp blades),” evoking either rocky ground or the weapons that drenched that ground with blood. By name alone it memorializes a moment when a contest meant to determine the outcome of conflict instead became the very symbol of escalating violence.

Biblical Setting (2 Samuel 2:12-32)

Helkath-hazzurim is mentioned only once, at the outset of the long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner brought the forces of Ish-Bosheth to Gibeon; Joab led David’s men to meet them. Twelve champions from each side seized one another, “each grasped his opponent by the head and thrust his dagger into his opponent’s side; so they all fell together. Therefore that place in Gibeon is called Helkath-hazzurim” (2 Samuel 2:16). What was intended as a decisive duel degenerated into a larger battle in which Abner’s army was routed. The name fixed the tragedy in Israel’s collective memory.

Geographical Considerations

Gibeon lay in Benjamin’s territory, roughly six miles northwest of Jerusalem. The “pool of Gibeon” (2 Samuel 2:13) provided a strategic watering site and, in earlier days, a reminder of Joshua’s covenant with the Gibeonites. The stony terrain fits the imagery of flints or sharp rocks, making the designation both literal (a rocky field) and figurative (a field of blades).

Historical Significance

1. Beginning of Civil War: The encounter at Helkath-hazzurim marks the first open clash after Saul’s death. It exposes the fragility of Israel when tribal loyalties eclipse covenant loyalty.
2. Turning Point for Abner: The bloodshed set Abner on a path that eventually led him to abandon Ish-Bosheth and bring the kingdom’s remnants to David (2 Samuel 3:6-21).
3. Validation of David’s Rise: Although Joab’s pursuit ended with verbal restraint at Abner’s plea (2 Samuel 2:26-28), the numerical losses displayed that the Lord’s hand was with David (2 Samuel 3:1).

Theological and Devotional Insights

• Cost of Rivalry: Helkath-hazzurim illustrates Proverbs 13:10, “Only by pride comes contention.” What began as a seemingly controlled contest unleashed grief for families on both sides.
• Sovereign Direction: The episode fulfills God’s word that David, not Saul’s line, would shepherd Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Even human schemes—twelve champions deciding the conflict—could not overturn divine decree.
• Warning Against Blood Guilt: Joab later paid for unlawful bloodshed (1 Kings 2:31-34). Helkath-hazzurim stands as the first in a series of violent acts that eventually caught up with him.

Typological Echoes

Some see an ironic contrast between this “field of blades” and the “hill of foreskins” (Gibeath-haaraloth, Joshua 5:2-3), both near Gibeon. Whereas the latter commemorated covenant renewal through circumcision, Helkath-hazzurim highlights fleshly conflict that broke covenant unity. Together they remind believers that true cutting away is spiritual (Colossians 2:11) and produces peace, not strife.

Ministry Applications

1. Promote Reconciliation: Leaders must avoid letting minor disputes harden into factional battles. Matthew 5:9 calls the blessed “peacemakers.”
2. Trust God’s Timing: David refused to seize power by force; Joab’s premature aggression almost complicated God’s plan. Patience under God’s promise safeguards both church and family.
3. Guard Ambition: Abner’s and Joab’s reputations were stained by seeking advantage through duels and pursuit. Philippians 2:3 counsels believers to “do nothing out of selfish ambition.”

Related Passages for Study

Genesis 13:8-9; Psalm 133; Proverbs 6:16-19; John 17:20-23; James 4:1-2.

Summary

Helkath-hazzurim is more than an obscure place-name. It is a monument to the tragic cost of internal strife and a sober reminder that God’s purposes advance not by the sword of men but by His sovereign hand. In every generation His people are called to prefer unity, trust His timing, and let any “field of blades” become instead a testimony to redeemed fellowship.

הַצֻּרִ֖ים הצרים haṣ·ṣu·rîm haṣṣurîm hatztzuRimInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts