### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gebaʻ**, represented by `{{H1387}}`, refers to a **hillock** and is the name of a place in Palestine. It is sometimes rendered as Gaba or Gibeah. It appears **19 times** across **19 unique verses**, marking its significance as a specific, named location in the biblical record.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1387}}` is consistently presented as a strategic location within the territory of Benjamin. It features prominently in military accounts, such as when **Jonathan** `{{H3129}}` **smote** `{{H5221}}` the Philistine garrison there, an act that incited a broader conflict [[1 Samuel 13:3]]. It was also the starting point of David's decisive victory over the Philistines [[2 Samuel 5:25]]. The town was fortified by King **Asa** `{{H609}}`, who **built** `{{H1129}}` it up using stones and timber taken from Ramah [[1 Kings 15:22]]. Additionally, it served as a geographical marker, defining the northern boundary of Judah during King Josiah's reforms, which extended "from Geba to Beersheba" [[2 Kings 23:8]], a boundary also referenced in prophecy [[Zechariah 14:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and importance of Geba:
* `{{H1144}}` **Binyâmîyn** (son of (the) right hand): Geba is repeatedly identified as a city within the tribal allotment of Benjamin. It is called "Geba of Benjamin" [[1 Kings 15:22]] and is listed among the cities given to the priests from the tribe of Benjamin ([[Joshua 21:17]], [[1 Chronicles 6:60]]).
* `{{H1390}}` **Gibʻâh** (Gibeah, the hill): This name is closely associated with Geba, and the definition for `{{H1387}}` itself includes "Gibeah." In several instances, the word for Geba is used in passages that describe events at Gibeah, such as the battles involving Saul and the Benjamites ([[1 Samuel 13:16]], [[Judges 20:33]]).
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This word highlights Geba's role as a fortified city. King **Asa** `{{H609}}` **built** `{{H1129}}` Geba and Mizpah [[2 Chronicles 16:6]], and the singers later **builded** `{{H1129}}` villages in the fields of Geba [[Nehemiah 12:29]].
* `{{H5333}}` **nᵉtsîyb** (garrison): The military significance of Geba is underscored by its identification as the location of a Philistine **garrison** [[1 Samuel 13:3]]. Jonathan's successful attack on this military post was a key event in Israel's early monarchy.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1387}}` is primarily geographical and historical, marking it as a location of strategic importance.
* **Strategic Border:** Geba often functioned as the northern border of the kingdom of Judah. Its pairing with **Beersheba** `{{H884}}` in the south created a proverbial expression for the full extent of the kingdom [[2 Kings 23:8]]. This is echoed in Zechariah's prophecy of restoration [[Zechariah 14:10]].
* **Military Fortification:** The site was a key military position, fortified by kings like **Asa** `{{H609}}` [[1 Kings 15:22]] and the scene of pivotal battles against the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` under Saul and Jonathan ([[1 Samuel 13:3]], [[Isaiah 10:29]]).
* **Levitical City:** Assigned to the sons of Aaron, Geba was one of the cities designated for the **priests** `{{H3548}}` ([[Joshua 21:17]], [[1 Chronicles 6:60]]). This gave the city a distinct religious and administrative function within the tribe of **Benjamin** `{{H1144}}`.
* **Post-Exilic Settlement:** After the return from exile, the children of Benjamin re-inhabited Geba, establishing it as a home alongside places like **Michmash** `{{H4363}}` and **Bethel** `{{H1008}}` [[Nehemiah 11:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1387}}` **Gebaʻ** is a historically significant city whose identity is deeply rooted in the land of Benjamin. While its name means "hillock," its biblical role is far greater, serving as a critical military outpost, a designated city for priests, a key boundary marker for the kingdom of Judah, and a home for the returning exiles. Its story is woven through the reigns of Israel's early kings and the reforms of later ones, illustrating how a single location can be central to the nation's military, religious, and political life.
TRV