probably an orthographical error for רִבְלָה; Diblah, a place in Syria; Diblath.
Transliteration:Diblâh
Pronunciation:dib-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דִּבְלָה (Diblâh), Strong's number `{{H1689}}`, appears to be a unique and possibly anomalous geographical reference within the biblical text. Its base definition, as provided by lexicons, identifies it as "Diblah, a place in Syria." However, a significant scholarly consensus suggests that `{{H1689}}` is most likely an orthographical error or scribal variant for רִבְלָה (Riblah), Strong's number `{{H7225}}`. If this assessment is correct, the core meaning of `{{H1689}}` is not an independent geographical entity but rather points to the well-attested location of Riblah. Thus, its semantic range is exceptionally narrow, confined to a single geographical point, whose identity is itself subject to textual critical analysis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word דִּבְלָה (Diblâh) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezekiel:
* [[Ezekiel 6:14]]: "So I will stretch out My hand against them and make the land desolate and waste, from the wilderness to Diblah, in all their dwelling places; then they will know that I am the LORD."
The context of this solitary occurrence is a prophecy of divine judgment against the idolatrous practices of the house of Israel. The Lord declares His intention to bring sweeping desolation upon the land. The phrase "from the wilderness to Diblah" (מִדְבַּר דִּבְלָתָה) serves to define the geographical extent of this impending judgment. It implies a comprehensive devastation covering the entire breadth of the land, from its southernmost wilderness regions to its northernmost boundaries.
The Septuagint (LXX) consistently renders this phrase with reference to Riblah (e.g., ἀπὸ τῆς ἐρήμου ἕως Ῥαβλαθά), providing strong ancient textual support for the hypothesis that `{{H1689}}` is a corruption of `{{H7225}}`. Riblah was a strategically important city in the land of Hamath, located in modern-day Syria, and is frequently mentioned in the historical books as a place where Judahite kings faced judgment and exile (e.g., [[2 Kings 23:33]], [[2 Kings 25:6]], [[Jeremiah 39:5]]). The use of Riblah as a geographical marker for the northern extent of the land makes perfect sense in the context of a comprehensive judgment on Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to דִּבְלָה (Diblâh) is רִבְלָה (Riblah), `{{H7225}}`. This connection is crucial for understanding `{{H1689}}`, as the proposed orthographical error links it directly to a historically and biblically significant location.
Beyond this direct lexical link, `{{H1689}}` connects to several broader biblical concepts:
* **Geographical Boundaries in Prophecy:** The use of specific locations (like "wilderness" and "Diblah/Riblah") to delineate the scope of divine action, particularly judgment or restoration.
* **Divine Judgment and Desolation:** The overarching theme of [[Ezekiel 6]] and much of Ezekiel's prophecy, where God's righteous anger against sin leads to severe consequences for the land and its inhabitants.
* **Textual Criticism:** The instance of `{{H1689}}` highlights the ongoing work of textual scholarship in discerning the most accurate reading of the Hebrew Bible, often by comparing manuscripts and ancient versions (like the LXX).
* **God's Sovereignty over Geography:** The Lord's power to bring about His will across the entire expanse of the land, from one end to the other.
### Theological Significance
If, as widely accepted, דִּבְלָה (Diblâh) is indeed a scribal error for רִבְלָה (Riblah), its theological significance is deeply intertwined with the meaning of Riblah in the biblical narrative. Riblah served as a place of judgment and humiliation for the kings of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians. Thus, in [[Ezekiel 6:14]], the phrase "from the wilderness to Diblah/Riblah" underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment upon the land of Israel for its idolatry. It signifies that no part of the land, from its southern wilderness to its northern reaches, would escape the divine wrath.
This passage affirms God's absolute sovereignty and His commitment to justice. The desolation is not partial but total, reflecting the depth of Israel's apostasy. Even an apparent textual anomaly like `{{H1689}}` serves to reinforce a profound theological truth: God's judgment is thorough, reaching every corner of the land and every aspect of life, ensuring that "they will know that I am the LORD." It is a testament to the meticulousness of God's righteous governance over His covenant people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דִּבְלָה (Diblâh), `{{H1689}}`, is a rare geographical reference, appearing only once in [[Ezekiel 6:14]]. Scholarly consensus, supported by ancient versions like the Septuagint, strongly suggests it is an orthographical error for רִבְלָה (Riblah), `{{H7225}}`. In its sole occurrence, `{{H1689}}` functions as a geographical marker defining the northern extent of the desolation prophesied against Israel due to its idolatry. This phrase, "from the wilderness to Diblah/Riblah," powerfully conveys the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over the land and His unwavering commitment to justice, ensuring that His people would ultimately "know that I am the LORD."