The Hebrew name Yogbᵉhâh, represented by H3011, identifies a specific place East of the Jordan. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Based on its root, the name means hillock, suggesting a town situated on an elevated piece of ground.
In the biblical narrative, H3011 first appears as a location in a list of towns that includes Atroth, Shophan H5855 and Jaazer H3270 Numbers 32:35. Its second appearance provides more context, marking a strategic point in a military campaign. Gideon H1439 used a route that went "on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah" to launch a surprise attack against an enemy host H4264 that considered itself secure H983 Judges 8:11.
Several related words help place Yogbᵉhâh within its narrative context:
- H1439 Gidʻôwn (feller (i.e. warrior); Gidon, an Israelite; Gideon): The Israelite warrior who led the attack that passed near Jogbehah Judges 8:11.
- H5025 Nôbach (a bark; Nobach, the name of an Israelite, and of a place East of the Jordan; Nobah): A place mentioned alongside Jogbehah as part of Gideon's strategic route Judges 8:11.
- H3270 Yaʻăzêyr (helpful; Jaazer or Jazer, a place East of the Jordan; Jaazer, Jazer): Another town located East of the Jordan, listed with Jogbehah as a place of settlement Numbers 32:35.
- H4264 machăneh (an encampment... army, ... camp, company, ... host): This term describes the army that Gideon H1439 was able to smite H5221 by taking an unexpected path near Jogbehah Judges 8:11.
The significance of H3011 is found in its role within specific historical accounts rather than in direct theological teaching.
- A Landmark in Military Strategy: Jogbehah's location was instrumental in the story of Gideon H1439. By taking a route "on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah," Gideon was able to approach the enemy host H4264 when it was "secure" H983, leading to a successful attack Judges 8:11.
- A Marker of Tribal Territory: The inclusion of Jogbehah in the book of Numbers places it within the lands being settled east of the Jordan. The context of this chapter involves the children of Reuben and the children of Gad seeking territory for their cattle Numbers 32:1, positioning Jogbehah within Israel's early settlement history.
In summary, H3011 is not a word with deep symbolic meaning but a geographical anchor in the biblical record. Its two mentions tie it to pivotal moments in Israel's history: the settlement of the Transjordanian tribes and a key victory for Gideon. The name Yogbᵉhâh illustrates how specific place names provide a tangible and historical backdrop to the unfolding biblical narrative.
TRV