### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yiblᵉʻâm**, represented by `{{H2991}}`, refers to **Ibleam**, a place in Palestine. The name's base definition is "devouring people." It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, marking its significance in specific historical and geographical contexts within the Old Testament narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2991}}` is first mentioned as a town located within the territory of the tribes of Issachar and Asher, which was allotted to the tribe of Manasseh [[Joshua 17:11]]. However, the account in Judges reveals that Manasseh did not successfully drive out the inhabitants of Ibleam, and the Canaanites were content to dwell in that land [[Judges 1:27]]. Later, Ibleam serves as a geographical landmark during a moment of judgment, where Ahaziah, king of Judah, is smitten in his chariot near "the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam" as he fled from Jehu [[2 Kings 9:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding Ibleam:
* `{{H4519}}` **Mᵉnashsheh** (Manasseh): This is the tribe that was assigned Ibleam but failed to drive out its inhabitants [[Judges 1:27]]. The name means "causing to forget."
* `{{H3423}}` **yârash** (drive out): This root word highlights the failure of Manasseh to fully possess their inheritance, as they did not "drive out" the Canaanites from Ibleam [[Judges 1:27]].
* `{{H274}}` **ʼĂchazyâh** (Ahaziah): Meaning "Jah has seized," this was the king of Judah who was struck down near Ibleam as part of Jehu's purge [[2 Kings 9:27]].
* `{{H3669}}` **Kᵉnaʻanîy** (Canaanite): These were the inhabitants of Ibleam whom the tribe of Manasseh failed to dispossess from the land [[Judges 1:27]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2991}}` is tied to major biblical themes of obedience, inheritance, and judgment.
* **Incomplete Possession:** Ibleam stands as a primary example of Israel's failure to fully obey God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land, illustrating a lack of complete conquest and the consequences of disobedience [[Judges 1:27]].
* **Territorial Conflict:** The city is consistently listed with other strategic locations like Bethshean, Dor, Taanach, and Megiddo, which were centers of Canaanite strength and points of conflict for the tribe of Manasseh [[Joshua 17:11]].
* **A Place of Judgment:** The location becomes the backdrop for divine judgment upon the house of Judah when King Ahaziah is fatally wounded there, marking it as a site where a king's unrighteousness met its end [[2 Kings 9:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2991}}` Ibleam is more than a simple geographical marker. It is a place tied to the story of Israel's settlement in the promised land, serving as a reminder of the nation's struggle to fully claim its inheritance. Its mentions in scripture trace a narrative arc from being part of a divine allotment to a symbol of compromised obedience and ultimately a location for divine judgment.
TRV