The Hebrew name Yôwbâb, represented by H3103, is defined as howler. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. This name is not a common noun but is used to identify specific individuals in the scriptural record, including what the base definition describes as "two Israelites and of three foreigners."
In the biblical narrative, the name H3103 is used to identify several distinct figures. In the table of nations, Jobab is listed as one of the sons of Joktan (Genesis 10:29; 1 Chronicles 1:23). Another Jobab, the son of Zerah of Bozrah, is recorded as an Edomite king who reigned after the death of Bela (Genesis 36:33; 1 Chronicles 1:44). The end of his reign is also noted when he died and was succeeded by Husham (Genesis 36:34; 1 Chronicles 1:45). The name also belongs to Jobab, king of Madon, who joined a confederation of kings against Joshua Joshua 11:1. Lastly, the name appears in the genealogies of Benjamin for a son of Hodesh 1 Chronicles 8:9 and a son of Elpaal 1 Chronicles 8:18.
Several related words help establish the context for the individuals named Jobab:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is essential for establishing the lineage of the different men named Jobab. He is identified as the son of Joktan Genesis 10:29, the son of Zerah Genesis 36:33, and in the genealogies of Benjamin, the sons of Elpaal 1 Chronicles 8:18.
- H4427 mâlak (to reign): This root verb describes the primary role of Jobab, the son of Zerah. Scripture notes that he reigned over Edom in place of the previous king (Genesis 36:33; 1 Chronicles 1:44).
- H4191 mûwth (to die): The life and reign of Jobab the king are framed by this term. He began his rule after Bela died Genesis 36:33, and his own reign concluded when he died Genesis 36:34, marking the transfer of power.
- H4428 melek (a king): This title is explicitly given to two of the foreigners named Jobab. One was the king of Madon who fought against Israel Joshua 11:1, while the other was the Edomite who reigned as king.
The significance of H3103 is not found in a theological concept but in the roles these individuals play within the biblical account.
- Genealogical Record: The appearances of Jobab in the lineage of Joktan Genesis 10:29 and the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:9, 1 Chronicles 8:18) underscore the meticulous preservation of ancestral lines in scripture.
- Historical Succession: The account of Jobab the Edomite king documents a clear line of royal succession, noting when a king died Genesis 36:33 and when a new one reigned Genesis 36:34. This demonstrates that the biblical authors chronicled the histories of neighboring nations as well as Israel.
- Identifying Adversaries: By naming Jobab, king of Madon, as an opponent of Joshua, the text provides specific details about the conflicts Israel faced, grounding the narrative in a historical context Joshua 11:1.
In summary, H3103 is a proper name used to distinguish several men in the Old Testament. It does not carry an abstract meaning but functions as a specific identifier. Its significance is found in its contribution to the Bible's detailed genealogical, political, and historical records. The use of the name for both Israelites and foreign kings illustrates the comprehensive scope of the scriptural narrative, which meticulously documents friends and foes alike to present a full account of Israel's history.
TRV