### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gibʻâh**, represented by `{{H1390}}`, primarily refers to a **hill** but is most often used as the proper name for several places in Palestine, notably **Gibeah**. It appears **44 times** across **43 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its significance in specific historical narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Gibʻâh** (Gibeah) is the setting for several pivotal events. It is infamous as the location of a heinous crime that incited a civil **war** between the tribe of **Benjamin** and the other tribes of **Israel** [[Judges 20:13]]. The city's wickedness becomes a recurring symbol of deep-seated corruption, as referenced by the prophet Hosea in the "days of **Gibeah**" ([[Hosea 9:9]], [[Hosea 10:9]]). Later, it becomes known as "**Gibeah** of **Saul**," serving as the hometown and capital for Israel's first **king** ([[1 Samuel 10:26]], [[1 Samuel 15:34]]). The **ark** of **God** also resided there for a time in the **house** of **Abinadab** [[2 Samuel 6:3-4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide geographical and linguistic context for **Gibʻâh**:
* `{{H1389}}` **gibʻâh** (hill, little hill): This is the common noun from which the proper name **Gibʻâh** is derived. It is used to describe the **hill** of Hachilah where **David** hid from **Saul** ([[1 Samuel 23:19]], [[1 Samuel 26:1]]).
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): Often used to describe larger topographical features, it provides a broader geographical context for narratives involving **Gibʻâh**, such as the sojourner from **mount** Ephraim who stayed in the city [[Judges 19:16]].
* `{{H7414}}` **Râmâh** (Ramah, the name of four places in Palestine): This location is frequently mentioned alongside **Gibeah**, indicating geographical proximity and its inclusion in the same regional narratives and prophetic warnings ([[Hosea 5:8]], [[Isaiah 10:29]]).
### Theological Significance
The story of **Gibʻâh** carries significant theological weight, serving as a powerful illustration of several key themes:
* **Moral Depravity and its Consequences:** The events in the book of Judges establish **Gibeah** as a benchmark for sin. The city's protection of the "children of **Belial**" `{{H1100}}` leads to a devastating civil **war**, demonstrating how localized corruption can bring judgment upon an entire people [[Judges 20:13]].
* **The Seat of Flawed Kingship:** As "**Gibeah** of **Saul**" [[1 Samuel 11:4]], the city is inextricably linked to the rise and fall of Israel's first **king**. It is his **house** [[1 Samuel 10:26]] and the center of his power, but it is also the site where the consequences of his disobedience culminate, including the execution of his **sons** [[2 Samuel 21:6]].
* **A Prophetic Symbol of Sin:** The prophets later invoke "the days of **Gibeah**" as a shorthand for profound national guilt. Hosea uses the city's history to condemn **Israel**, stating they have "deeply corrupted" themselves [[Hosea 9:9]] and "sinned" from that time forward [[Hosea 10:9]], making **Gibeah** a lasting emblem of rebellion against **God**.
### Summary
In summary, **Gibʻâh** `{{H1390}}` transitions from a simple geographical name for a **hill** or town to a potent symbol within the biblical narrative. It is primarily remembered not for its topography, but for the profound moral and political events that occurred there. From the horrific crime in Judges that nearly destroyed the tribe of **Benjamin** to its role as the capital of the flawed King **Saul**, **Gibeah** serves as a permanent scriptural reminder of the depths of human sin and the grave consequences of turning away from God's commands.
TRV