feminine of חֶלֶב; fertility; Chelbah, a place in Palestine; Helbah.
Transliteration:Chelbâh
Pronunciation:khel-baw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2462}}` (Chelbâh) is a proper noun, specifically a place name, derived from the root `{{H2459}}` (חֵלֶב - *chelev*). The base word `{{H2459}}` primarily signifies "fat," but in a broader sense, it denotes the "best," "richest," or "most abundant part" of something. This concept extends to agricultural and animal fertility. Thus, `{{H2462}}`, as a feminine form of `{{H2459}}`, carries the semantic range of "fertility" or "abundance," suggesting a place characterized by rich soil and productive yields. It is understood to be a location in ancient Palestine, named for its perceived prosperity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H2462}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Judges:
* [[Judges 1:31]]: "Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob."
In this sole occurrence, Chelbah is listed among the Canaanite towns that the tribe of Asher failed to conquer and dispossess, contrary to Yahweh's command. This verse is part of a broader section in Judges 1 that catalogues the incomplete conquests of various Israelite tribes. The context highlights a critical failure of obedience on the part of Israel. Despite the name "Chelbah" implying a land of fertility and abundance—qualities intrinsically linked to the promised land "flowing with milk and honey"—Asher did not fully possess this rich inheritance. This failure to dislodge the indigenous population meant that the Canaanite presence, along with its associated idolatry and practices, remained deeply embedded within the territory allotted to Israel, serving as a future snare. The mention of Chelbah, a place likely known for its agricultural richness, underscores the irony of Israel's spiritual barrenness in their disobedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root `{{H2459}}` (חֵלֶב - *chelev*), meaning "fat." This term is frequently used in sacrificial contexts, where the fat of an animal was considered the choicest part and belonged exclusively to Yahweh (e.g., [[Leviticus 3:16]]). This emphasizes its association with the "best" and "most valuable." The concept of "fertility" (`{{H2462}}`) is thus a natural extension of this root, applied to the land.
Other related concepts include:
* **Inheritance of the Land:** The divine promise of land to Abraham's descendants (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]) and the subsequent command to dispossess its inhabitants (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 7:1-5]]). Chelbah represents a failure in this regard.
* **Disobedience and Compromise:** The recurring theme in Judges of Israel's failure to fully obey God's commands regarding the conquest, leading to negative consequences (e.g., [[Judges 2:1-3]]).
* **Canaanite Presence:** The continued existence of pagan enclaves within Israel's territory, which became a source of spiritual corruption (e.g., [[Judges 2:11-13]]).
### Theological Significance
The single mention of Chelbah carries significant theological weight within the narrative of Judges. Its name, "Fertility," stands in stark contrast to the spiritual and strategic failure it represents.
1. **Symbol of Incomplete Obedience:** Chelbah serves as a poignant symbol of Israel's partial obedience and lack of faith. God had promised them a fertile land, and the very name of this town attested to that promise. Yet, the tribe of Asher, along with others, failed to fully claim this promised fertility by driving out its inhabitants. This highlights a critical spiritual deficiency—a reluctance to fully trust and obey God's commands for complete conquest.
2. **Consequences of Compromise:** The continued presence of Canaanites in places like Chelbah meant the persistence of foreign religious and cultural influences within Israel. This compromise directly led to the cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that characterize the book of Judges (e.g., [[Judges 2:11-19]]). The physical "fertility" of Chelbah became a spiritual "snare" for Israel.
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:** While God had sovereignly given the land to Israel, He also required their active participation and obedience. The failure at Chelbah underscores the tension between divine promise and human responsibility. The land was theirs for the taking, but their lack of resolve prevented full possession.
### Summary
`{{H2462}}` (Chelbâh) is a Hebrew place name meaning "Fertility" or "Abundance," derived from `{{H2459}}` (חֵלֶב - *chelev*), "fat" or "best part." Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Judges 1:31]], where it is listed among the Canaanite towns that the tribe of Asher failed to conquer. This failure represents a significant theological point: Israel's incomplete obedience to God's command to dispossess the inhabitants of the promised land. The name "Chelbah" ironically highlights the spiritual barrenness of Israel's compromise, where a place named for its inherent richness became a symbol of their failure to fully possess their divine inheritance and the subsequent consequences of allowing pagan influences to remain within their midst. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of complete faith and obedience in realizing God's promises.
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