or (fully) גּוֹב; from גּוּב; pit; Gob, a place in Palestine; Gob.
Transliteration:Gôb
Pronunciation:gobe
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1359 (גֹּב, Gôb) is derived from the root גּוּב (gûb), which carries the primary meaning of "to dig" or "to excavate." Consequently, the noun form גֹּב inherently refers to a "pit," "cistern," or "trench"—an excavated depression in the ground. However, in its biblical occurrences, H1359 functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. Its semantic range is thus confined to this toponymic usage, with its etymological root providing a potential, though not explicit, descriptive element for the place (e.g., a place characterized by pits or a depression).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Gôb (H1359) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both occurrences found in the book of 2 Samuel:
* [[2 Samuel 21:18]]: "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob; then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was one of the descendants of the giants."
* [[2 Samuel 21:19]]: "And there was again a battle at Gob with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam."
These verses describe two distinct battles that took place at Gob, involving David's mighty men against the Philistines, specifically against descendants of the Rephaim (giants). These encounters are presented as part of David's ongoing efforts to subdue the Philistine threat and secure his kingdom. The account in [[2 Samuel 21]] serves to highlight the valor of David's warriors and God's continued deliverance of Israel.
A crucial point for scholarly consideration is the parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 20:4]], which states: "And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the giants." Here, "Gezer" is given as the location instead of "Gob." This textual variant between Samuel and Chronicles is significant, leading scholars to propose several possibilities:
1. Gob and Gezer might refer to the same place, or one was a district encompassing the other.
2. The Chronicler may have updated the place name to one more familiar to his audience.
3. One text might preserve the original reading more accurately than the other, or both reflect valid traditions.
Regardless of the precise geographical identification, the narrative function remains consistent: to recount Israel's victories over their formidable enemies during the Davidic era.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root גּוּב (gûb), from which H1359 is derived, meaning "to dig" or "to excavate." While H1359 functions as a proper noun, its etymology links it conceptually to terms describing excavated features like pits, wells, or cisterns.
Other related concepts include:
* **Toponymy:** The study of place names. H1359 is a prime example of a biblical toponym.
* **Military History:** The battles at Gob are part of the broader military history of the Davidic kingdom and its conflicts with the Philistines.
* **Textual Criticism:** The discrepancy between H1359 (Gob) in 2 Samuel and "Gezer" in 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of textual comparison and the complexities of the biblical transmission process. This often involves comparing H1359 with H1607 (Gezer).
* **Giants/Rephaim:** The context of the battles at Gob involves encounters with the descendants of the giants, connecting it to the broader biblical motif of God's people overcoming formidable, often supernaturally strong, adversaries.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical location, Gob itself does not possess inherent theological significance beyond being the stage for divine action. Its importance is derived from the events that occurred there. The battles at Gob (H1359) are integral to the narrative of God's faithfulness to Israel during the reign of King David. They demonstrate:
1. **Divine Deliverance:** God's continued power to deliver His people from their enemies, even when faced with overwhelming odds or formidable adversaries like the giant descendants.
2. **Validation of David's Kingdom:** These victories contribute to the establishment and security of David's kingdom, reinforcing his divinely appointed role and the stability of the monarchy.
3. **Valor and Faithfulness of God's Servants:** The accounts highlight the courage and effectiveness of David's mighty men, who serve as instruments of God's purposes. Their actions at Gob are part of the larger testimony to the strength God provides to those who serve Him.
4. **Sovereignty in Historical Events:** The specific naming of Gob (or Gezer) grounds these theological truths in concrete historical events, emphasizing that God works within the fabric of human history. The textual variant, while a point of scholarly discussion, does not diminish the core theological message of God's enabling presence in Israel's victories.
### Summary
H1359 (גֹּב, Gôb) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a specific location in ancient Palestine, derived from a root meaning "to dig" or "pit." It is primarily known from two occurrences in [[2 Samuel 21:18-19]], where it is identified as the site of significant battles between David's mighty men and the Philistines, including encounters with giant descendants. A notable textual variant in [[1 Chronicles 20:4]] lists "Gezer" instead of "Gob" for a similar event. While its etymological root points to an excavated feature, its biblical usage is purely toponymic. The theological significance of Gob lies in its role as a backdrop for demonstrations of God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel, His provision of victory over formidable enemies, and the ongoing establishment of the Davidic kingdom through the valor of His chosen servants.
TRV