from רִיב; he will contend; Jareb, a symbolical name for Assyria; Jareb. Compare יָרִיב.
Transliteration:Yârêb
Pronunciation:yaw-rabe'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יָרֵב (Yârêb), Strong's `{{H3377}}`, is a proper noun derived from the verb רִיב (rîḇ), Strong's `{{H7378}}`, which signifies "to contend," "to strive," "to dispute," "to quarrel," or "to plead a cause." The form יָרֵב itself carries the meaning "he will contend" or "let him contend," functioning as a future or jussive form of the root. In its biblical occurrences, it is not used as a common verb but as a symbolic or proper name. Specifically, it is understood by scholars to be a symbolic designation for Assyria, highlighting the contentious and aggressive nature of this powerful empire that frequently engaged in conflict and oppression. The name encapsulates the very essence of a power that would contend against nations, including Israel. It is closely related in form and meaning to יָרִיב (yārîḇ), Strong's `{{H3401}}`, which also derives from the same root and means "adversary" or "one who contends."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יָרֵב (Yârêb) appears exclusively in the prophetic book of Hosea, specifically in two passages: [[Hosea 5:13]] and [[Hosea 10:6]]. In both instances, it is associated with a "king" or "the king" and is widely interpreted as a symbolic reference to the king of Assyria.
In [[Hosea 5:13]], the prophet declares, "When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his wound, then Ephraim went to Assyria and sent to King Jareb." Here, "King Jareb" represents the Assyrian monarch to whom Israel (Ephraim) and Judah turned for help in their distress, rather than seeking the Lord. This act is presented as a spiritual infidelity, a turning away from the divine Physician to a human, contentious power that ultimately could not heal but would only exacerbate their wounds. The name "Jareb" underscores the futility and danger of this alliance, as the very nature of this king is one of contention, not salvation.
Similarly, in [[Hosea 10:6]], the text states, "It too will be carried to Assyria as tribute for King Jareb. Ephraim will be put to shame; Israel will be disgraced by its counsel." This verse speaks of the idol of Israel, the calf of Beth-aven, being carried away as tribute to Assyria. The reference to "King Jareb" again points to the Assyrian king as the recipient of this tribute, symbolizing Israel's subjugation and the disastrous consequences of their idolatry and reliance on foreign alliances. The shame and disgrace are directly linked to their misguided counsel and their trust in a power whose very name, "He will contend," foreshadows their downfall rather than their deliverance. The use of this symbolic name powerfully conveys the prophetic message that such alliances would lead to further contention and eventual judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical root related to יָרֵב (Yârêb) is רִיב (rîḇ), Strong's `{{H7378}}`, meaning "to contend, strive, dispute, quarrel, plead a cause." This root is foundational to understanding the symbolic nature of "Jareb." Other related terms derived from this root include:
* יָרִיב (yārîḇ), Strong's `{{H3401}}`: "adversary," "one who contends." This term often describes an opponent in a legal dispute or a general antagonist.
* מָרִיב (mārîḇ), Strong's `{{H4800}}`: "contender," "adversary."
* מְרִיבָה (mᵉrîḇāh), Strong's `{{H4807}}`: "strife," "contention," "quarrel." This noun often describes the act or state of disputing.
Thematically, יָרֵב connects to several significant biblical concepts:
* **Foreign Alliances:** The reliance of Israel and Judah on powerful foreign nations (like Assyria or Egypt) instead of trusting in Yahweh, a recurring theme in the prophetic books.
* **Divine Judgment:** The idea that God uses foreign powers, even those with contentious natures, as instruments of His judgment against His disobedient people.
* **Spiritual Adultery:** The prophets often depicted Israel's turning away from God to other gods or foreign nations as a form of spiritual unfaithfulness or harlotry.
* **Futility of Human Strength:** The inherent weakness and ultimate failure of relying on human political or military might over divine power and covenant faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יָרֵב (Yârêb) lies primarily in its symbolic representation of Assyria and the prophetic critique of Israel's spiritual and political choices. By naming Assyria "He Will Contend," Hosea powerfully communicates several key theological truths:
First, the name underscores the inherently contentious and destructive nature of the world powers that Israel sought to align with. Instead of finding healing and peace, Israel found themselves drawn into the very strife and conflict that characterized their chosen ally. This serves as a potent warning against seeking security and salvation from sources other than God, as such sources often embody the very problems they claim to solve.
Second, "King Jareb" highlights Israel's profound spiritual infidelity. Their turning to Assyria was a clear rejection of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, who alone was their true King and Healer. This act of seeking help from a "contending" king rather than their covenant God was a symptom of their deeper spiritual sickness and idolatry. It reveals a fundamental distrust in God's ability or willingness to save them.
Third, the use of "Jareb" implicitly points to God's sovereignty over even the most powerful and contentious nations. While Assyria acted out of its own imperial ambition, Hosea's prophecy reveals that it was ultimately an instrument in God's hand for the discipline and judgment of His people. The "contention" of Assyria was a divinely permitted consequence of Israel's disobedience.
Finally, "Jareb" serves as a stark reminder of the bitter consequences of forsaking the Lord. Israel's reliance on "King Jareb" did not bring healing or protection but rather led to further shame, tribute, and eventual exile. The very name of their supposed helper became a prophetic label for their ultimate undoing.
### Summary
יָרֵב (Yârêb), Strong's `{{H3377}}`, is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root רִיב (rîḇ), meaning "to contend." It signifies "he will contend" and is used symbolically in the book of Hosea, specifically in [[Hosea 5:13]] and [[Hosea 10:6]], as a designation for Assyria or its king. The name powerfully conveys the contentious and aggressive nature of this foreign power, which Israel misguidedly sought as an ally instead of trusting in Yahweh. Theologically, "King Jareb" represents the futility and danger of relying on human strength and foreign alliances over divine covenant faithfulness. It underscores Israel's spiritual infidelity, the consequences of their disobedience, and God's sovereign use of even contentious nations to bring about His purposes of judgment and discipline. The term serves as a prophetic indictment against seeking help from those who will ultimately contend against God's people, rather than from God Himself.
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