### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼAchlâb**, represented by `{{H303}}`, is a place name in Palestine meaning **fatness** (i.e. fertile). It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole mention is in the context of a list of cities that the tribe of Asher failed to conquer and possess.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to `{{H303}}` is found in a list of unconquered cities within the territory assigned to the tribe of **Asher** `{{H836}}`. The passage states that Asher did not **drive out** `{{H3423}}` the **inhabitants** `{{H3427}}` of several Canaanite cities, including Ahlab [[Judges 1:31]]. This failure is part of a larger pattern of incomplete conquest by the Israelite tribes after entering the promised land.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from the context are key to understanding the significance of Ahlab:
* `{{H836}}` **ʼÂshêr**: happy; Asher, a son of Jacob, and the tribe descended from him. The territory of this tribe contained Ahlab, but they failed to secure it [[Judges 1:31]].
* `{{H3423}}` **yârash**: a primitive root; to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place). This is the key action that the tribe of Asher failed to complete, as they did not **drive out** the inhabitants of Ahlab [[Judges 1:31]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab**: a primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain. This word describes the Canaanites who continued to be the **inhabitants** of Ahlab because of Israel's failure.
* `{{H2462}}` **Chelbâh**: fertility; Helbah. This is another city in the territory of Asher that was not conquered, mentioned in the same list as Ahlab [[Judges 1:31]].
### Theological Significance
The mention of `{{H303}}` carries significance as part of a larger theological theme:
* **Failure to Possess the Inheritance:** Ahlab is a marker of Israel's partial obedience. God promised that His people would **possess** `{{H3423}}` the land and commanded them to **drive out** `{{H3423}}` the inhabitants [[Deuteronomy 9:3]]. The list in [[Judges 1:31]] serves as a record of where this command was not fulfilled.
* **Consequences of Incomplete Obedience:** The failure to conquer cities like Ahlab and **Zidon** `{{H6721}}` meant that Israel had to live among the Canaanites. This coexistence later led to the Israelites serving the gods of these nations, violating their covenant with the LORD [[Judges 10:6]].
* **Divine Promise vs. Human Failure:** The narrative highlights the tension between God's faithfulness to His promise and human failure to act on it. While God assured Israel He would cause them to return and **possess** `{{H3423}}` the land [[Jeremiah 30:3]], their failure to **drive out** their enemies had immediate and lasting consequences.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼAchlâb** `{{H303}}` is more than just an obscure place name. Though mentioned only once, it represents a significant moment in Israel's history. Its name, meaning **fatness**, stands in contrast to the failure of the tribe of **Asher** `{{H836}}` to take possession of it. The account serves as a lasting reminder of the consequences of incomplete obedience and the challenges Israel faced in securing its God-given inheritance.
TRV