or (shortened) דִּיבֹן; from דּוּב; pining; Dibon, the name of three places in Palestine; Dibon. (Also, with גָּד added, Dibon-gad.)
Transliteration:Dîybôwn
Pronunciation:dee-bome'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דִּיבוֹן (Dîybôwn, `{{H1769}}`) is primarily a proper noun, functioning as a place name within the biblical text. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the root דּוּב (dûwb, `{{H1728}}`), which carries the meaning "to pine, languish, mourn." Therefore, the etymological core meaning of Dîybôwn itself is "pining" or "languishing." While this etymological sense is not directly applied to the *city* in the narrative, it may reflect an ancient descriptive quality of the location, perhaps related to its desolation, its historical significance as a place of sorrow, or even a prophetic foreshadowing of its ultimate fate. In its biblical usage, however, its semantic range is restricted to its function as a geographical marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Dîybôwn (`{{H1769}}`) refers to a prominent city located east of the Jordan River, primarily associated with the territory of Moab. Its occurrences reveal several key historical and geographical contexts:
1. **Conquest and Allocation:** Dibon is first mentioned as a city taken by the Israelites from Sihon, king of the Amorites, during their wilderness wanderings ([[Numbers 21:30]]). Following this conquest, it was rebuilt and settled by the tribe of Gad ([[Numbers 32:3, 34]]), leading to its occasional designation as Dibon-gad ([[Numbers 33:45-46]]). Later, in the division of the land, Dibon was allotted to the tribe of Reuben, though it retained its connection to Gad ([[Joshua 13:9, 17]]). This demonstrates its strategic importance and its fluctuating tribal affiliation in the early history of Israel.
2. **Prophetic Lamentations:** Dibon features significantly in the prophetic books, particularly in oracles concerning Moab. Isaiah laments over Moab, specifically mentioning Dibon as a place of weeping and desolation ([[Isaiah 15:2]]). Similarly, Jeremiah prophesies judgment against Moab, instructing Dibon's inhabitants to descend from their glory and sit in thirst, signifying profound devastation and exile ([[Jeremiah 48:18, 22]]). These passages underscore the city's role as a symbol of Moabite strength and, consequently, its vulnerability to divine judgment.
3. **Post-Exilic Period:** In the post-exilic era, Dibon is listed among the places where some of the people of Judah settled ([[Nehemiah 11:25]]). This suggests either a re-establishment of the city or its continued existence, albeit under different demographic or political control, highlighting the long historical continuity of the site.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Dîybôwn (`{{H1769}}`) naturally connects to several broader biblical themes and terms:
* **Etymological Root:** The most direct linguistic connection is to its root, דּוּב (dûwb, `{{H1728}}`), meaning "to pine, languish." This root evokes concepts of sorrow, desolation, and mourning, which resonate with the prophetic pronouncements against the city.
* **Geographical Names:** Dibon is frequently mentioned alongside other significant cities in Moab and Transjordan, such as Medeba (`{{H4311}}`), Heshbon (`{{H2809}}`), and Nebo (`{{H5015}}`), providing a geographical context for understanding the region.
* **Tribal Inheritance:** Its association with the tribes of Reuben (`{{H7205}}`) and Gad (`{{H1410}}`) links it to the broader narrative of Israel's inheritance of the land and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
* **Moab:** The term דִּיבוֹן is inextricably linked to מוֹאָב (Mo'ab, `{{H4124}}`), the nation and people with whom it is most consistently identified, especially in the context of judgment and historical interaction with Israel.
* **Divine Judgment:** The prophetic references to Dibon's destruction align with the broader biblical concept of divine judgment against nations, often expressed through terms of desolation, weeping, and ruin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Dîybôwn (`{{H1769}}`) stems primarily from its role as a prominent city in the prophetic landscape and its place in Israel's history:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The prophecies against Dibon in Isaiah and Jeremiah serve as powerful testaments to God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations. Even a strong, fortified city like Dibon was subject to the divine will and judgment for its idolatry, pride, and opposition to God's people. Its prophesied "pining" (from its root meaning) becomes a vivid metaphor for the desolation brought by divine wrath.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness:** Dibon's inclusion in the inheritance of Reuben and Gad underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel regarding the land. Despite its origins as an Amorite/Moabite city, it became part of the divinely allotted territory, demonstrating God's power to establish His people in the land He promised.
3. **The Transience of Earthly Kingdoms:** Like other cities targeted by prophetic judgment, Dibon represents the impermanence of human power and earthly kingdoms. Its rise and fall, as depicted in the biblical narrative, serve as a stark reminder that only God's kingdom is eternal and unshakeable.
4. **A Witness to History:** As a physical location mentioned at key junctures—from the Exodus to the post-exilic return—Dibon acts as a tangible witness to God's unfolding plan in history, including His interactions with both Israel and the surrounding nations.
### Summary
דִּיבוֹן (Dîybôwn, `{{H1769}}`) functions as a crucial geographical marker in the biblical narrative, primarily denoting a significant city in Moab. While its etymological root suggests a meaning of "pining" or "languishing," its primary use is as a proper noun. Biblically, Dibon is notable for its conquest by Israel, its allocation to the tribes of Reuben and Gad (sometimes called Dibon-gad), and its prominent role in prophetic laments against Moab, particularly in Isaiah and Jeremiah, where its desolation is foretold. Theologically, Dibon highlights God's absolute sovereignty over nations, His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel, and the ultimate transience of all earthly powers in contrast to His eternal kingdom. It stands as a testament to divine judgment and the historical outworking of God's righteous will.
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