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).
Transliteration:Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb
Pronunciation:yish-bo'beh-nobe
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3430}}`, transliterated as Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is derived from its constituent elements: the verb יָשַׁב (yashab, `{{H3427}}`), meaning "to sit, dwell, inhabit," combined with the preposition בְּ (be-), meaning "in," and the place name נֹב (Nob, `{{H5011}}`), a priestly city. The pronominal suffix -וֹ ("his") is attached to the verbal root. Thus, the name literally translates to "his dwelling is in Nob" or "he who dwells in Nob." This etymology suggests a descriptive name, identifying the individual by his origin or a significant association with the city of Nob. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific individual and his narrative context, rather than a broader conceptual meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb, transliterated as Ishbi-benob in English translations, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Samuel 21:16]]. This passage is part of an appendix to the books of Samuel, detailing several encounters between David's men and Philistine giants. Ishbi-benob is identified as "one of the sons of the giant," a descendant of Rapha (the Rephaim), known for his immense size and formidable weaponry (a spear weighing three hundred shekels of bronze and a new sword). In this specific instance, Ishbi-benob attempts to kill King David, who had grown weary during battle. David is saved by the swift intervention of Abishai, son of Zeruiah, who strikes down the giant. The narrative emphasizes the grave danger David was in and the necessity of his men's protection, leading them to swear that David would no longer go out to battle with them. The name's etymology, "his dwelling in Nob," presents a potential irony or historical reference. Nob was a city of priests, a sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant at one point, and later the site of Saul's massacre of the priests. For a Philistine giant, an enemy of Israel, to bear a name associated with this Israelite priestly city is striking. It might suggest a past Philistine encroachment or influence over Nob, a descriptive epithet given by Israelites that alluded to a known connection, or simply a name that, while descriptive, does not necessarily imply his current residence at the time of the battle, which would have occurred in Philistine territory or a border region.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **יָשַׁב `{{H3427}}`**: The root verb "to dwell," signifying presence, habitation, and sometimes security or establishment. Its use in the name points to a place of origin or significant association.
* **נֹב `{{H5011}}`**: The city of Nob, known for its priestly population and the tragic massacre by Doeg the Edomite at Saul's command ([[1 Samuel 22:18-19]]). Its inclusion in the giant's name creates a stark contrast between a place of Israelite worship and a Philistine adversary.
* **רָפָה `{{H7497}}` / רְפָאִים `{{H7497}}`**: The Rephaim, a race of ancient, often gigantic peoples mentioned in the Old Testament. Ishbi-benob is explicitly identified as "one of the sons of the giant," linking him to this formidable, pre-Israelite lineage, often associated with powerful, pagan forces.
* **פְּלִשְׁתִּים `{{H6430}}`**: The Philistines, the perennial adversaries of Israel during the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy. Ishbi-benob embodies the ongoing threat posed by this powerful enemy.
* **דָּוִד `{{H1732}}`**: King David, the central figure of the narrative whom Ishbi-benob attempts to kill. The encounter highlights David's vulnerability and God's continued protection over His anointed king.
### Theological Significance
The single appearance of Ishbi-benob carries significant theological weight, primarily revolving around divine protection and the enduring struggle against evil.
1. **Divine Protection of the Anointed King:** The most immediate theological point is God's unwavering protection of King David. Despite David's weariness and the giant's formidable strength, God ensures David's survival through Abishai's timely intervention. This event reinforces the security of the Davidic covenant and God's faithfulness to His chosen king, whose life is essential for the continuation of the kingdom and the Messianic line.
2. **The Ongoing Battle Against Ancient Evil:** Ishbi-benob, as a descendant of the Rephaim, represents the remnants of ancient, powerful, and often pagan forces that stood in opposition to God's people. The defeat of such giants, like Goliath before them, symbolizes God's ultimate triumph over overwhelming human and spiritual opposition, demonstrating that no foe, however mighty, can thwart His purposes.
3. **Irony and Contrast:** The name "his dwelling in Nob" presents a theological irony. Nob, a priestly city, stood as a symbol of Israel's worship and God's presence. For a Philistine giant, an embodiment of pagan opposition, to bear a name associated with this holy place underscores the pervasive nature of the conflict between the sacred and the profane, and perhaps even the Philistine's historical encroachment or influence into Israelite territories and consciousness. It highlights the stark contrast between those who serve God and those who oppose Him, even if their names carry an unexpected, perhaps even mocking, association.
### Summary
Ishbi-benob `{{H3430}}` is a unique proper noun meaning "his dwelling is in Nob," derived from the verb יָשַׁב (to dwell) and the priestly city נֹב. He appears solely in [[2 Samuel 21:16]] as a formidable Philistine giant, a descendant of the Rephaim, who attempts to kill a weary King David. His life is preserved by Abishai, showcasing God's direct protection of His anointed. The name's connection to Nob, a city of priests, introduces a layer of theological irony, contrasting a pagan giant with a holy Israelite site. The encounter serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to David and His ongoing triumph over the most powerful adversaries, symbolizing the divine protection extended to His covenant people against all forms of opposition.
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