or טוֹבִיָּהוּ; from טוֹב and יָהּ; goodness of Jehovah; Tobijah, the name of three Israelites and of one Samaritan; Tobiah, Tobijah.
Transliteration:Ṭôwbîyâh
Pronunciation:to-bee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H2900}}`, *Ṭôwbîyâh* (also *Ṭôwbîyāhû*), is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is a compound formed from two distinct Hebrew roots: `{{H2896}}` (*ṭôwb*), meaning "good," "goodness," or "pleasant," and `{{H3050}}` (*Yāh*), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (Jehovah). Therefore, the name fundamentally signifies "Goodness of Yahweh," or "Yahweh is good," serving as a declaration of God's benevolent character. As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to the individuals who bore this name, but the theological weight of its constituent parts is profound, affirming a core attribute of the God of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Tobijah appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to at least four distinct individuals, three Israelites and one prominent adversary.
1. **A Levite in Jehoshaphat's Reign:** Tobijah is listed among the Levites sent by King Jehoshaphat throughout the cities of Judah to teach the Law of the Lord to the people ([[2 Chronicles 17:8]]). This context highlights his role in a significant spiritual reform and revival movement, aligning his actions with the "goodness of Yahweh" in restoring proper worship and instruction.
2. **A Returnee from Exile:** Descendants of Tobijah are mentioned among those who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel but could not prove their Israelite lineage, being counted among the "children of the servants of Solomon" ([[Ezra 2:60]]; [[Nehemiah 7:62]]). This occurrence underscores the meticulous concern for purity of lineage and community identity in the post-exilic period, even if the specific Tobijah here remains somewhat obscure.
3. **An Exile in Zechariah's Prophecy:** Tobijah is named as one of the exiles who came from Babylon to Jerusalem, bringing silver and gold for the construction of the temple, and whose names were to be placed as a memorial in the temple ([[Zechariah 6:10]], [[Zechariah 6:14]]). This Tobijah is associated with the sacred work of rebuilding and re-establishing the worship of Yahweh, again resonating with the name's meaning.
4. **Tobiah the Ammonite Servant:** This is arguably the most prominent and complex figure bearing the name. Often referred to as "Tobiah the Ammonite servant" or "Tobiah the Ammonite," he was a chief adversary of Nehemiah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls ([[Nehemiah 2:10]], [[Nehemiah 2:19]], [[Nehemiah 4:3]], [[Nehemiah 4:7]], [[Nehemiah 6:1]], [[Nehemiah 6:12]], [[Nehemiah 6:14]], [[Nehemiah 13:4]], [[Nehemiah 13:7]], [[Nehemiah 13:8]]). Despite his Hebrew name, he is identified with the Ammonites, a people consistently hostile to Israel. His actions—ridicule, conspiracy, attempts to intimidate and undermine Nehemiah's work, and even occupying a chamber in the temple—stand in stark contrast to the meaning of his name. This presents a profound irony: a man named "Goodness of Yahweh" actively opposes the work of Yahweh and His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H2900}}` naturally leads to its constituent parts:
* **`{{H2896}}` (*ṭôwb*):** This foundational Hebrew word signifies goodness in its broadest sense, encompassing moral righteousness, aesthetic beauty, beneficial quality, and pleasantness. It is used to describe God's creation as "good" ([[Genesis 1:4]], [[Genesis 1:10]], etc.) and is a primary attribute of God Himself ([[Psalm 100:5]], [[Psalm 107:1]]).
* **`{{H3050}}` (*Yāh*):** This is the abbreviated form of the divine name Yahweh, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness and self-existence. Its inclusion in names (theophoric names) was a common practice in ancient Israel, serving as a declaration of faith or a prayer.
Beyond its components, `{{H2900}}` is related to the broader category of **theophoric names** in the Bible (e.g., Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jonathan, Michael). These names often encapsulate a theological statement, a parental hope, or a confession of faith regarding God's character or actions. The irony presented by Tobiah the Ammonite also connects this word study to the concept of **character vs. name**, where a person's actions may starkly contradict the meaning embedded in their given name.
### Theological Significance
The name "Tobijah" intrinsically proclaims a fundamental theological truth: "Yahweh is good." This affirmation of divine goodness is central to the biblical understanding of God's character and His dealings with humanity. It underscores His benevolence, faithfulness, and the beneficial nature of His actions.
The theological significance of `{{H2900}}` is particularly highlighted through the contrast between the various individuals who bore the name:
* For the Israelite Tobijahs, their roles as a teacher of the Law, a returnee from exile, and a contributor to the temple, align with the "goodness of Yahweh" manifested in the restoration and spiritual life of Israel. These individuals, in their respective contexts, participated in or benefited from God's good work.
* The case of Tobiah the Ammonite, however, presents a striking theological irony. A man whose name declares "Goodness of Yahweh" actively and maliciously opposes the very people and work of Yahweh. This disjunction serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual reality is not determined by a name or even by apparent lineage, but by the heart's disposition and one's actions. It underscores the truth that external identity does not necessarily reflect internal allegiance. The existence of such an antagonist, bearing a name that speaks of God's goodness, further emphasizes the unwavering nature of God's goodness despite human opposition and rebellion. God remains good, even when His goodness is defied or mocked by those who bear His name.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2900}}`, *Ṭôwbîyâh*, translates to "Goodness of Yahweh" or "Yahweh is good," derived from `{{H2896}}` (good) and `{{H3050}}` (Yahweh). This theophoric name appears in the Bible associated with three Israelites involved in positive aspects of Israel's history (teaching the Law, returning from exile, contributing to the temple) and, most notably, with Tobiah the Ammonite, a persistent adversary of Nehemiah. The contrast between the inherent meaning of the name and the actions of Tobiah the Ammonite provides a profound theological lesson: while the name proclaims God's unchanging goodness, it also powerfully illustrates the disjunction between a person's name and their character, emphasizing that true allegiance to God is demonstrated through deeds rather than mere nomenclature. The study of "Tobijah" ultimately reinforces the foundational biblical truth of God's inherent and unwavering goodness.
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