And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon.
Each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent's side, so they all fell down dead together. That's why that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.
This verse describes a deadly combat between warriors where all the fighters killed each other simultaneously, leading to the place being named after this tragic event.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred during the civil war following King Saul's death, when David's forces (led by Joab) faced Saul's remaining supporters (led by Abner). What began as a contest between twelve men from each side turned into mutual destruction when all twenty-four warriors killed each other. The name 'Helkath-hazzurim' means 'field of sword edges' or 'field of the sharp ones,' commemorating this violent encounter.
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