Biblical Reference:
Zelzah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 1 Samuel. The reference to Zelzah is found in 1 Samuel 10:2, where the prophet Samuel gives Saul specific instructions regarding his journey after being anointed as the first king of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible states: "When you leave me today, you will find two men near Rachel’s tomb at Zelzah in the territory of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you set out to look for have been found, and now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, “What should I do about my son?”’"

Geographical Context:
Zelzah is described as being near Rachel's tomb, which is traditionally located near Bethlehem, in the territory of Benjamin. The exact location of Zelzah is not definitively known today, but it is understood to be in the region associated with the tribe of Benjamin. This area is significant in biblical history, as it is closely tied to the patriarchal narratives and the early monarchy of Israel.

Historical and Theological Significance:
The mention of Zelzah in the context of Saul's anointing is significant for several reasons. First, it marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history—the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Saul's encounter at Zelzah is part of a series of signs given by Samuel to confirm God's choice of Saul as king. This event underscores the divine orchestration in the leadership of Israel, highlighting God's sovereignty and involvement in the nation's affairs.

Furthermore, the mention of Rachel's tomb in proximity to Zelzah evokes the memory of the matriarch Rachel, beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. This connection to Rachel may symbolize a continuity of God's promises to the patriarchs, now being fulfilled in the establishment of the monarchy.

Cultural and Symbolic Aspects:
In the cultural context of ancient Israel, locations such as Zelzah would have been well-known landmarks, serving as reference points for travel and communication. The specific mention of Zelzah in the narrative serves to authenticate the prophetic message given to Saul, as the fulfillment of Samuel's words would have been verifiable by Saul's experience.

Symbolically, the encounter at Zelzah can be seen as a moment of divine confirmation and reassurance. The message delivered by the men at Zelzah addresses Saul's immediate concerns about the lost donkeys and his father's anxiety, while also pointing to his future role as king. This reflects the biblical theme of God's provision and guidance in the lives of His chosen leaders.

Conclusion:
While Zelzah is only briefly mentioned in the biblical text, its role in the narrative of Saul's anointing is significant. It serves as a geographical and symbolic marker in the unfolding account of Israel's monarchy, illustrating the intersection of divine purpose and human history.Zelzah

noontide

Zelzah

(shadow), a place named once only, (1 Samuel 10:2) as on the boundary of Benjamin close to Rachel's sepulchre, five miles southwest of Jerusalem.

ZELZAH

zel'-za (tseltsach; hallomenous megala): A place where Samuel told Saul he would meet two men with news that the asses were found. Its position is defined as "by Rachel's sepulchre, in the border of Benjamin" (1 Samuel 10:2). It has been thought that the place of meeting was sufficiently indicated without the word betseltsach, which is translated "at Zelzah," and that this cannot therefore be a place-name. The Septuagint has "leaping mightily" or "in great haste" (Ewald) points to a different text. Whether the Greek can be so translated is also a question, as megala does not elsewhere occur as an adverb. Some corruption of the text is probable. The border of Benjamin may be roughly determined, but the tomb of Rachel is now unknown. No name like Zelzah has been recovered in the district. Smith ("Samuel," ICC, at the place) suggests that we should read "Zela" for "Zelzah" (tsela`, for tseltsach).

W. Ewing

6766. Tseltsach -- a place in Benjamin
... 6765, 6766. Tseltsach. 6767 . a place in Benjamin. Transliteration: Tseltsach
Phonetic Spelling: (tsel-tsakh') Short Definition: Zelzah. ... Zelzah. ...
/hebrew/6766.htm - 6kZelzah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZELZAH. zel'-za (tseltsach ... No name like Zelzah
has been recovered in the district. Smith ("Samuel," ICC ...
/z/zelzah.htm - 7k

Zemaraim (2 Occurrences)

/z/zemaraim.htm - 8k

Zelotes (2 Occurrences)

/z/zelotes.htm - 7k

Wentest (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men
by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say ...
/w/wentest.htm - 11k

Worried (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:2 When you have departed from me today, then you shall find two men
by Rachel's tomb, in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will tell you ...
/w/worried.htm - 8k

Rachel's (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:2 When you have departed from me today, then you shall find two men
by Rachel's tomb, in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will tell you ...
/r/rachel's.htm - 11k

Dismissed (22 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:2 When thou goest from me to-day, thou shalt meet two men by Rachel's
sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say to thee, The ...
/d/dismissed.htm - 12k

Caring (23 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:2 When you have departed from me today, then you shall find two men
by Rachel's tomb, in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will tell you ...
/c/caring.htm - 14k

Sorroweth (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 10:2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men
by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say ...
/s/sorroweth.htm - 6k

Sorrowed (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:2 In thy going to-day from me -- then thou hast found two men by the
grave of Rachel, in the border of Benjamin, at Zelzah, and they have said unto ...
/s/sorrowed.htm - 7k

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