or (shortened) דְּבִר; (Joshua 13:26 (but see לֹא דְבַר)), the same as דְּבִיר; Debir, the name of an Amoritish king and of two places in Palestine; Debir.
Transliteration:Dᵉbîyr
Pronunciation:deb-eer'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1688}}` (דְּבִיר, *Dᵉbîyr*) functions exclusively as a proper noun within the biblical text. It does not carry an inherent lexical meaning in its usage, but rather serves to identify specific entities. Primarily, `{{H1688}}` refers to:
1. **A prominent city in the hill country of Judah:** This city was initially a stronghold of the Anakim, a formidable people, and was a key target during the Israelite conquest of Canaan. It was later allotted to the tribe of Judah.
2. **A city located within the territory of Gad:** This reference is found in the description of tribal allotments, though it carries a textual note of ambiguity in some interpretations.
3. **An Amorite king:** This individual was one of the five kings who formed an alliance against Gibeon and subsequently faced the wrath of Joshua and the Israelite army.
The semantic range of `{{H1688}}` is therefore limited to these specific proper noun identifications, serving as markers within the historical narrative of Israel's early settlement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H1688}}` are concentrated in the historical books of Joshua and Judges, providing geographical and historical anchors for the conquest and settlement narratives.
* **Debir, the City in Judah:** This is the most frequently referenced instance of `{{H1688}}`.
* It is first mentioned as a city whose king, along with others, was defeated by Joshua as part of the southern campaign: "So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded. And Joshua smote them from Kadesh-barnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon. And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp to Gilgal." [[Joshua 10:40-43]]. While Debir is not explicitly named in this summary, it is included in the broader conquest of the southern hill country, having been taken earlier in the campaign ([[Joshua 10:38-39]]).
* It is specifically noted as a city from which Joshua cut off the Anakim: "There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained." [[Joshua 11:22]]. This highlights its strategic importance and the formidable nature of its prior inhabitants.
* In the tribal allotments, Debir is assigned to Judah: "Kirjath-sepher, which is Debir;" [[Joshua 15:49]]. This confirms its location within Judah's inheritance.
* Its capture by Othniel, Caleb's nephew, is a significant event detailed in both Joshua and Judges. Caleb promises his daughter Achsah to whoever conquers Kirjath-sepher (Debir): "And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife." [[Joshua 15:16-17]]. This account is reiterated in [[Judges 1:11-13]], emphasizing the continued efforts required for Israel to fully possess the land promised by God, even after Joshua's primary campaigns.
* **Debir, the City in Gad:**
* This city is mentioned in the description of the territory of Gad: "And the border of their inheritance was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah; And from Heshbon unto Ramath-mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the borders of Debir;" [[Joshua 13:25-26]]. The Strong's definition for `{{H1688}}` includes a parenthetical note ("but see לֹא דְבַר") for this verse, indicating a textual variant or alternative reading. Some translations render the latter part of [[Joshua 13:26]] as "Lo-debar" (`{{H3818}}`), suggesting a potential scribal confusion or alternative place name. This highlights the occasional complexities in biblical geography and textual transmission.
* **Debir, the King of Eglon:**
* King Debir is identified as one of the five Amorite kings who formed an alliance against Gibeon after Gibeon made a treaty with Israel: "Wherefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem, sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying, Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel." [[Joshua 10:3]].
* His defeat and subsequent execution by Joshua are part of the decisive victory that secured Israel's control over the southern region of Canaan: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them." [[Joshua 10:24-27]]. This narrative underscores God's active involvement in the conquest and the fulfillment of His promises.
### Related Words & Concepts
It is critically important to distinguish `{{H1688}}` (דְּבִיר, *Dᵉbîyr*, a proper noun) from `{{H1687}}` (דְּבִיר, *dᵉbîr*, a common noun meaning "inner sanctuary" or "Holy of Holies"). While they share the same consonantal root and transliteration, their meanings and biblical applications are entirely distinct. `{{H1687}}` refers to the most sacred chamber of the Tabernacle and Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence, whereas `{{H1688}}` refers to specific geographical locations and an individual. Conflating these two terms would lead to significant misinterpretations.
Beyond this crucial distinction, `{{H1688}}` relates to broader biblical concepts:
* **Conquest Narratives:** As a proper noun for cities and a king, Debir is integral to the accounts of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua and the subsequent settlement. It belongs to the lexicon of place names and personal names that populate these historical books.
* **Divine Promise and Fulfillment:** The capture of cities like Debir illustrates the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham concerning the land of Canaan.
* **Divine Judgment:** The defeat of King Debir of Eglon exemplifies God's judgment against the idolatrous inhabitants of the land.
* **Inheritance and Possession:** The narratives surrounding Debir, particularly its capture by Othniel, highlight the process of Israel's inheritance and possession of the land, which often required sustained effort and faith beyond the initial major campaigns.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H1688}}` itself is a proper noun without inherent theological meaning, its occurrences within the biblical narrative carry profound theological significance:
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** The conquest and possession of cities like Debir stand as concrete evidence of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land of Canaan. The narrative demonstrates that God actively intervened to deliver the land into the hands of Israel, fulfilling His word.
* **Divine Judgment and Justice:** The defeat and execution of King Debir of Eglon, along with the other Amorite kings, underscore God's righteous judgment against the wickedness and idolatry of the Canaanite nations. This act illustrates God's holiness and His commitment to justice, clearing the land for His chosen people.
* **Progressive Nature of Inheritance:** The repeated emphasis on Debir's capture—first by Joshua and then more definitively by Othniel—illustrates that the inheritance of God's promises is not always a singular, instantaneous event. It often involves a progressive process, requiring continued faith, obedience, and effort on the part of God's people, even after initial victories. It highlights the importance of individual valor and God's continued empowering of leaders beyond the initial, grand campaigns.
* **Historical Veracity:** The specific naming of places like Debir and individuals like King Debir grounds the biblical narrative in historical and geographical reality, affirming the tangible nature of God's interaction with humanity in time and space.
### Summary
`{{H1688}}` (דְּבִיר, *Dᵉbîyr*) functions exclusively as a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, identifying both specific cities and an Amorite king. Its primary occurrences are found in the books of Joshua and Judges, where it serves as a key geographical and personal marker within the narrative of the Israelite conquest and settlement of Canaan. Theologically, the references to Debir powerfully underscore God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land, His righteous judgment against the Canaanite inhabitants, and the progressive nature of Israel's inheritance. It is imperative to distinguish `{{H1688}}` from `{{H1687}}`, which refers to the "inner sanctuary" or "Holy of Holies."
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