### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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