from יָשַׁב and נֹב, with a pronominal suffix and a preposition interposed; his dwelling (is) in Nob; Jishbo-be-Nob, a Philistine; Ishbi-benob (from the margin).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb**, represented by `{{H3430}}`, identifies a specific Philistine warrior known as **Ishbi-benob**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name itself is defined as "his dwelling (is) in Nob" and is used to introduce a significant antagonist in the life of David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H3430}}` occurs in a dramatic narrative in [[2 Samuel 21:16]]. In this passage, **Ishbi-benob** is described as one of the "sons of the giant" `{{H3211}}` `{{H7497}}`. He is portrayed as a formidable foe, armed with a **new** `{{H2319}}` sword and a **spear** `{{H7013}}` whose **brass** `{{H5178}}` head had a **weight** `{{H4948}}` of **three** `{{H7969}}` **hundred** `{{H3967}}` shekels. In this context, he **thought** `{{H559}}` to have **slain** `{{H5221}}` **David** `{{H1732}}`, highlighting a moment of grave danger for the king of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the account of Ishbi-benob provide crucial context for his character and actions:
* `{{H7497}}` **râphâʼ** (a giant): This identifies Ishbi-benob as a descendant of the Rephaim, a race of giants who were historic enemies of Israel [[Genesis 14:5]]. This term is also associated with the "valley of the giants" `{{H7497}}`, a known battlefield [[Joshua 15:8]].
* `{{H3211}}` **yâlîyd** (born): This word establishes his lineage as being one of the "sons" `{{H3211}}` of the giant, connecting him to other formidable clans like the "children of Anak" [[Numbers 13:28]].
* `{{H2296}}` **châgar** (to gird on): This verb describes Ishbi-benob being "girded" with his new sword [[2 Samuel 21:16]]. The act of girding is often associated with preparing for battle, mourning, or priestly service ([[Exodus 29:9]], [[Jeremiah 49:3]]).
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike, slay): This term defines Ishbi-benob's intent to kill David. It is a powerful verb used throughout scripture to describe divine judgment, such as when God will "smite the earth" [[Isaiah 11:4]] or when he has "smitten" his people before healing them [[Hosea 6:1]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H3430}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, highlighting a critical threat to God's anointed king.
* **Embodiment of an Ancient Threat:** As one of the "sons of the giant" `{{H3211}}` `{{H7497}}`, Ishbi-benob represents the continuation of an ancient and formidable opposition to Israel, harkening back to the giants who struck fear into the hearts of the spies in [[Numbers 13:28]].
* **A Test of David's Reign:** The direct attempt to **slay** `{{H5221}}` **David** `{{H1732}}` illustrates the persistent and personal dangers faced by the king. His survival in these encounters underscores divine protection over his life and throne.
* **Symbol of Enemy Strength:** The detailed description of his weaponry—a **brass** `{{H5178}}` **spear** `{{H7013}}` of immense **weight** `{{H4948}}` and a **new** `{{H2319}}` sword—serves to emphasize his power and the serious nature of the Philistine military challenge to Israel.
### Summary
In summary, **Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb** `{{H3430}}` is the name of a Philistine giant whose story, though contained in a single verse, provides a vivid snapshot of the perils of warfare in ancient Israel. His identity as a descendant of giants and his attempt on David's life mark him as a memorable antagonist. The account in [[2 Samuel 21:16]] uses his character to showcase the very real threats facing David and, by extension, the nation he led.
TRV