### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yabneh**, represented by `{{H2996}}`, is derived from the root for "to build" and refers to **Jabneh**, a place in Palestine. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking its significance as a specific geographical location within a historical account.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical reference to `{{H2996}}` occurs in the context of King Uzziah's military campaigns. The record states that he "warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of **Jabneh**, and the wall of Ashdod" [[2 Chronicles 26:6]]. In this narrative, **Jabneh** is identified as a fortified Philistine city whose defenses were dismantled by the king of Judah as part of a successful war. This action was followed by the building of new cities in the conquered Philistine territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only appearance provide crucial context for **Jabneh**:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh**: The primitive root of **Yabneh**, meaning **to build**. It is used throughout scripture for both literal construction, such as building a **city** [[Jeremiah 30:18]], and for the figurative act of establishing a family or a nation [[Proverbs 14:1]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy**: This identifies an inhabitant of Pelesheth, a **Philistine**. **Jabneh** was a **Philistine** city, and its destruction was part of Israel's ongoing conflict with this people group [[2 Chronicles 26:6]].
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh**: Meaning **a wall of protection**. The specific mention of the breaking down of **Jabneh's** wall signifies the strategic dismantling of its defenses. A **wall** can also be a symbol of divine protection, as when God promises to be a **wall** of fire for Jerusalem [[Zechariah 2:5]].
* `{{H1661}}` **Gath**: Another prominent **Philistine city** whose wall was destroyed in the same military campaign as **Jabneh's** [[2 Chronicles 26:6]]. It is famously known as the home of Goliath [[1 Samuel 17:4]].
### Theological Significance
Despite its single mention, the context of `{{H2996}}` highlights several important themes:
* **Divine Authority Over Nations:** The destruction of **Jabneh**'s wall is presented as part of a successful campaign, illustrating God's sovereignty and judgment enacted through Judah's king against the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}`. This reflects the broader theme that the LORD **fights** `{{H3898}}` for His people [[Exodus 14:14]].
* **The Cycle of Building and Destruction:** An irony exists in that **Yabneh**, from the root **to build** `{{H1129}}`, is only mentioned as its wall is being **broken down** `{{H6555}}`. This mirrors the biblical principle of divine authority to both destroy and to **build**, as stated in [[Ecclesiastes 3:3]].
* **The Insufficiency of Earthly Fortifications:** The fall of **Jabneh's** wall `{{H2346}}` demonstrates that man-made defenses provide no ultimate security against God's purposes. This aligns with the wisdom of [[Psalms 127:1]], which states that unless the LORD protects a **city** `{{H5892}}`, its defenses are in vain.
### Summary
In summary, **Yabneh** `{{H2996}}` is a Philistine city whose single scriptural appearance is a record of its defeat. While its name is rooted in the concept of building, its biblical narrative is one of being broken down during a war [[2 Chronicles 26:6]]. This specific historical event places **Jabneh** within the larger conflict between Israel and the Philistines and serves to illustrate the theological truths of God's sovereignty over nations, the cycle of destruction and building, and the ultimate futility of human fortifications apart from God's will.
TRV