### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chelbâh**, represented by `{{H2462}}`, is the name of a place in Palestine, also rendered as **Helbah**. Its root suggests **fertility**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making it a highly specific geographical reference in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2462}}` is in a list of cities within the territory assigned to the tribe of **Asher** `{{H836}}`. The scripture records that Asher failed to **drive out** `{{H3423}}` the Canaanite **inhabitants** `{{H3427}}` of several locations, including **Helbah** [[Judges 1:31]]. This places **Helbah** within a group of cities that Israel did not fully possess during the settlement of the promised land.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words in the surrounding text provide critical context for `{{H2462}}`:
* `{{H836}}` **ʼÂshêr** (Asher): The name of the Israelite tribe assigned the territory that included Helbah. The name means **happy**; Leah named her son Asher because she declared "Happy am I... the daughters will call me blessed" [[Genesis 30:13]].
* `{{H3423}}` **yârash** (to occupy, drive out): This verb describes the specific action that the tribe of Asher failed to perform against the inhabitants of Helbah. The word is central to the conquest, as when God promises Israel they will **drive them out** [[Deuteronomy 9:3]].
* `{{H303}}` **ʼAchlâb** (Ahlab): Another city on the same list whose inhabitants were not driven out by Asher [[Judges 1:31]]. Its name, meaning **fatness (i.e. fertile)**, is thematically similar to the "fertility" implied in the name Helbah.
### Theological Significance
While mentioned only once, the reference to `{{H2462}}` carries theological weight within its narrative context:
* **Incomplete Possession:** The story of Helbah is a specific example of Israel's broader failure to fully **drive out** `{{H3423}}` the inhabitants of Canaan, as recorded in the opening of Judges. This highlights the theme of partial obedience and its consequences.
* **Unrealized Blessing:** The name **Helbah** itself implies **fertility**, and it was located in the territory of **Asher** `{{H836}}`, a tribe whose name means **happy** and who was promised "royal dainties" and "fat" bread [[Genesis 49:20]]. The failure to possess this fertile place signifies a blessing that was not fully realized due to incomplete action.
* **Consequences of Coexistence:** The failure to take cities like Helbah forced the Israelites to **dwell** `{{H3427}}` among the Canaanites. This led to the syncretism and idolatry that characterizes the period of the Judges, where Israel served the gods of nations like **Zidon** `{{H6721}}`, another city Asher failed to conquer [[Judges 10:6]].
### Summary
In summary, **Helbah** `{{H2462}}` is more than a minor geographical note. Though appearing just once, its name, meaning **fertility**, stands in contrast to the narrative of failure it is part of. It serves as a concise biblical illustration of incomplete obedience, showing how the tribe of Asher did not fully take possession of their promised inheritance, leaving a "fertile" land and its blessings unclaimed.
TRV