### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gilbôaʻ**, represented by `{{H1533}}`, refers to a **mountain of Palestine**. Its name is defined as "fountain of ebullition." It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently linked to a specific and significant location in Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Gilboa** `{{H1533}}` is exclusively presented as a specific geographical location, a **mountain** `{{H2022}}` that serves as the backdrop for a pivotal event. It is the site where the army of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`, led by King **Saul** `{{H7586}}`, pitched their camp before a fateful battle against the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` [[1 Samuel 28:4]]. The narrative recounts that the men of Israel **fled** `{{H5127}}` from the Philistines and **fell down** `{{H5307}}` **slain** `{{H2491}}` on mount Gilboa ([[1 Samuel 31:1]], [[1 Chronicles 10:1]]). The location is indelibly marked by tragedy, as Saul and his sons were found fallen on the mountain after the battle [[1 Samuel 31:8]]. This event is so significant that David later references the location in his lament, cursing the mountains of Gilboa for being the place where Saul's shield was cast away [[2 Samuel 1:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the events surrounding **Gilboa** `{{H1533}}`:
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): This word defines the physical nature of Gilboa. It is always referred to as "mount Gilboa" ([[1 Samuel 31:1]], [[1 Chronicles 10:8]]).
* `{{H2491}}` **châlâl** (pierced (especially to death); ... slain (man)): This describes the fate of the Israelite soldiers who died on the mountain. They "fell down **slain** in mount Gilboa" [[1 Samuel 31:1]].
* `{{H5307}}` **nâphal** (to fall): This term is used repeatedly to depict the defeat of Israel's army, noting that Saul and his sons were found "fallen" on the mountain [[1 Chronicles 10:8]].
* `{{H7586}}` **Shâʼûwl** (asked; ... Saul): This is the king of Israel whose final battle and death occur at Gilboa [[2 Samuel 21:12]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth; Philistine): This refers to the enemy force that fought against and defeated Israel at Gilboa [[1 Samuel 31:1]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of **Gilboa** `{{H1533}}` is profound, serving as a symbol of loss and transition.
* **The Fall of a King:** The mountain is primarily remembered as the place where **Saul** `{{H7586}}`, the first king of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`, was **slain** `{{H5221}}` [[2 Samuel 21:12]]. This event marks the end of an era and a critical turning point in Israelite leadership.
* **A Site of National Tragedy:** The defeat at Gilboa was a devastating blow to the nation. The men of Israel **fled** `{{H5127}}` and were **slain** `{{H2491}}` there by the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}`, solidifying the location's association with national grief [[1 Chronicles 10:1]].
* **A Place of Enduring Sorrow:** David's lament over Saul and Jonathan immortalizes Gilboa as a place of sorrow. His curse upon the "mountains of Gilboa" ensures that it is remembered not just as a battlefield, but as a site of profound tragedy where "the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away" [[2 Samuel 1:21]].
### Summary
In summary, **Gilboa** `{{H1533}}` is more than a geographical name; it is a place inextricably linked to one of the most tragic events in Israel's early history. While its name suggests a "fountain of ebullition," its biblical context is one of death and defeat. It stands as the permanent marker of the battle where the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` triumphed, and King **Saul** `{{H7586}}` and his sons **fell** `{{H5307}}`. Through its consistent depiction as the site of this downfall, Gilboa serves as a powerful biblical symbol of national loss and the solemn end of a king's reign.
TRV