Chor-ashan is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments and territorial descriptions of ancient Israel. The name "Chor-ashan" is often associated with a place of significance during the time of King David.

Biblical References:

Chor-ashan is mentioned in 1 Samuel 30:30-31, where it is listed among the places to which David sent spoils after his victory over the Amalekites. The passage reads: "to those in Hormah, to those in Bor-ashan, to those in Athach, to those in Hebron, and to all the places where David and his men had roamed" . The name "Bor-ashan" in this context is often considered synonymous with Chor-ashan, suggesting a possible variation in the name or a scribal difference.

Geographical and Historical Context:

Chor-ashan is believed to have been located in the southern part of Judah, near the Negev region. This area was known for its rugged terrain and was a strategic location during the time of the united monarchy under King David. The mention of Chor-ashan in the context of David's distribution of spoils indicates its importance as a settlement or community within the tribal lands of Judah.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Chor-ashan in the narrative of David's exploits highlights the broader theme of God's providence and protection over His chosen leaders and people. David's ability to distribute spoils to various locations, including Chor-ashan, underscores the unity and cohesion among the tribes of Israel during his reign. It also reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to establish David as a successful and righteous king over Israel.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence for Chor-ashan remains limited, the general region of southern Judah has yielded numerous findings that provide insight into the period of the united monarchy. Excavations in nearby areas have uncovered artifacts and structures that align with the biblical descriptions of settlements during the time of David and Solomon.

Linguistic Considerations:

The name "Chor-ashan" may derive from Hebrew roots that suggest meanings related to "smoke" or "burning," possibly indicating a location known for its fires or smoke signals. This etymology could reflect the practical use of the site for communication or as a landmark within the arid landscape of the Negev.

Conclusion:

Chor-ashan, though briefly mentioned in the biblical text, serves as a testament to the historical and theological richness of the Old Testament narrative. Its inclusion in the account of David's reign provides a glimpse into the complex social and political landscape of ancient Israel and the enduring legacy of its divinely appointed leaders.Smoking furnace, one of the places where "David himself and his men were wont to haunt" (1 Samuel 30:30, 31). It is probably identical with Ashan (Joshua 15:42; 19:7), a Simeonite city in the Negeb, i.e., the south, belonging to Judah. The word ought, according to another reading, to be "Bor-ashan." 3565. Kor Ashan -- Chor-ashan
Kor Ashan. 3564b, 3565. Kor Ashan. 3566 . Chor-ashan. Transliteration: Kor
Ashan Phonetic Spelling: (kore aw-shawn') Short Definition: Chor-ashan. ... Chor-ashan ...
/hebrew/3565.htm - 6kChorashan (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHORASHAN. kor-ash'-an, ko-ra'-shan. See
COR-ASHAN. Multi-Version Concordance Chorashan (1 Occurrence). ...
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Chor-ashan (1 Occurrence)
Chor-ashan. Chorashan, Chor-ashan. Chorazin . Easton's Bible Dictionary Smoking ...
YLT). Chorashan, Chor-ashan. Chorazin . Reference Bible.
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Chorazin (2 Occurrences)

/c/chorazin.htm - 8k

Bor-ashan (1 Occurrence)
... bor-ash'-an: A correction of the Massoretic Text in the American Standard Revised
Version in 1 Samuel 30:30 for the King James Version "Chor-ashan" and the ...
/b/bor-ashan.htm - 7k

Borashan (1 Occurrence)
... bor-ash'-an: A correction of the Massoretic Text in the American Standard Revised
Version in 1 Samuel 30:30 for the King James Version "Chor-ashan" and the ...
/b/borashan.htm - 7k

Chops (2 Occurrences)

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Corashan
... kor-ash'-an, ko-ra'-shan (English Revised Version, the King James Version Chor-ashan;
kor `ashan, 1 Samuel 30:30): The original reading was probably Bor-ashan ...
/c/corashan.htm - 6k

Cor-ashan
... kor-ash'-an, ko-ra'-shan (English Revised Version, the King James Version Chor-ashan;
kor `ashan, 1 Samuel 30:30): The original reading was probably Bor-ashan ...
/c/cor-ashan.htm - 6k

Ashan (5 Occurrences)
...Chorashan (or Borashan), which was probably the site of some reservoir in the
Southwest part of Judah (1 Samuel 30:30), is the same as Ashan. ...
/a/ashan.htm - 8k

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