### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יוֹבָב (Yôwbâb), Strong's number `{{H3103}}`, is a proper noun derived from the root יָבַב (yâbab), which means "to howl," "to cry out," or "to lament." Consequently, the etymological meaning of Yôwbâb is "howler" or "one who cries out." This root suggests a strong vocal expression, potentially indicative of sorrow, pain, or even a loud proclamation or battle cry. As a proper name, its primary function is to identify specific individuals within the biblical narrative, with the etymological meaning offering a potential, though not always explicit, insight into the character or circumstances associated with the named person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yôwbâb (Jobab) appears five times in the Old Testament, referring to five distinct individuals:
1. **A Son of Joktan:** Yôwbâb is listed as one of the thirteen sons of Joktan, a descendant of Shem ([[Genesis 10:29]], [[1 Chronicles 1:23]]). This places him in the early post-Flood genealogies, indicating a tribal or national progenitor. His inclusion among the sons of Joktan suggests a connection to the Arabian peoples.
2. **A King of Edom:** Yôwbâb, son of Zerah of Bozrah, is identified as one of the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites ([[Genesis 36:33-34]], [[1 Chronicles 1:44-45]]). This Jobab represents a significant figure of authority in a nation closely related to Israel through Esau. His reign highlights the established political structures among Israel's neighbors.
3. **A King of Madon:** Yôwbâb, king of Madon, is mentioned as one of the northern Canaanite kings who formed a confederacy against Joshua during the conquest of the land ([[Joshua 11:1]]). He was among those defeated by the Israelites at the waters of Merom, underscoring God's power in giving Israel victory over its adversaries.
4. **Two Benjaminites:** Two individuals named Yôwbâb appear in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin in [[1 Chronicles 8]]. One is a son of Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh ([[1 Chronicles 8:9]]), and the other is a son of Elpaal ([[1 Chronicles 8:18]]). These occurrences are purely genealogical, providing no further narrative detail about their lives or the significance of their names.
Contextual analysis reveals that Yôwbâb is a name borne by both Israelite and non-Israelite figures. For the kings of Edom and Madon, the etymological meaning of "howler" might subtly suggest a ruler known for a powerful voice, a formidable presence, or perhaps one whose rule evoked strong reactions. For the genealogical entries, the name serves primarily as an identifier within the lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root יָבַב (yâbab), from which Yôwbâb is derived. This root's core meaning of "to howl" or "to cry out" connects the name to concepts of vocal expression, lamentation, or intense sound. While the root itself is rare in its verbal form in the Hebrew Bible, its nominal derivative in Yôwbâb carries this semantic weight. Other concepts include:
* **Genealogy:** The name is frequently found in genealogical lists, emphasizing lineage and tribal identity.
* **Kingship and Nations:** The occurrences of Yôwbâb as a king (Edom, Madon) connect the name to the broader biblical narrative of nations, their rulers, and their interactions with Israel.
* **Conquest:** The Jobab of Madon is directly involved in the narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, highlighting divine intervention in historical events.
### Theological Significance
The multiple occurrences of Yôwbâb, encompassing both Israelite and non-Israelite figures, contribute to several theological insights:
* **Divine Sovereignty over All Peoples:** The presence of kings from Edom and Madon named Yôwbâb demonstrates God's sovereign hand over all nations, not just Israel. Even those who oppose God's people (like the king of Madon) are ultimately subject to His divine plan and power. The defeat of King Jobab of Madon by Joshua is a testament to God fighting for His people.
* **The Scope of Biblical History:** The inclusion of diverse individuals named Yôwbâb, from ancient tribal progenitors to kings of neighboring lands and members of Israelite tribes, underscores the Bible's comprehensive historical scope, detailing the interconnectedness of various peoples within God's unfolding narrative.
* **The Nuance of Naming:** While the etymological meaning "howler" might seem unusual for a name, it subtly reminds us of the human capacity for intense emotion and vocal expression, whether in sorrow, joy, or command. The divine record includes individuals whose very names hint at the raw, emotive aspects of human experience, all within the framework of God's creation and providence.
### Summary
Yôwbâb (`{{H3103}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "howler" or "one who cries out," derived from the root יָבָב (yâbab). This name identifies five distinct individuals in the Old Testament: a son of Joktan ([[Genesis 10:29]], [[1 Chronicles 1:23]]), an early king of Edom ([[Genesis 36:33-34]], [[1 Chronicles 1:44-45]]), a king of Madon who opposed Joshua ([[Joshua 11:1]]), and two different men from the tribe of Benjamin ([[1 Chronicles 8:9]], [[1 Chronicles 8:18]]). The occurrences of Yôwbâb highlight the divine sovereignty over both Israel and the surrounding nations, the breadth of biblical genealogy, and the nuanced nature of names in conveying identity. The defeat of the king of Madon by Joshua serves as a powerful reminder of God's active role in history.
TRV