### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kᵉbâr**, represented by `{{H3529}}`, refers to the **Chebar**, a river in Mesopotamia. Its definition is "length," and it appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Ezekiel. This geographical location serves as the primary setting for the prophet Ezekiel’s divine encounters during the Babylonian exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the river **Chebar** is the place where God's prophetic call comes to Ezekiel. He is "among the captives by the river of **Chebar**" when the heavens open and he sees "visions of God" [[Ezekiel 1:1]]. It is here that the "word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel" and the "hand of the LORD was there upon him" [[Ezekiel 1:3]]. This location is consistently referenced as the site of profound spiritual experiences, where Ezekiel witnesses the glory of the LORD [[Ezekiel 3:23]] and sees heavenly beings described as the **living creature** `{{H2416}}` and **cherubims** `{{H3742}}` ([[Ezekiel 10:15]], [[Ezekiel 10:20]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events at the river **Chebar**:
* `{{H5104}}` **nâhâr** (river): This word for a stream or river is always used in conjunction with **Kᵉbâr**, establishing its identity as the "river of **Chebar**" [[Ezekiel 1:1]]. It is the general term for the specific location of Ezekiel's visions.
* `{{H1473}}` **gôwlâh** (exile, captives): This term defines the community Ezekiel is a part of. He is among the **captives** [[Ezekiel 1:1]] and comes to "them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of **Chebar**" [[Ezekiel 3:15]], highlighting the setting of displacement and foreign residence.
* `{{H4759}}` **marʼâh** (vision): This word is central to the significance of **Kᵉbâr**. It describes the supernatural sights Ezekiel receives from God at this location, such as the "visions of God" [[Ezekiel 1:1]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell, to sit): This word describes the state of the exiles by the river. They **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` there, and Ezekiel came and **sat** `{{H3427}}` where they **sat** `{{H3427}}`, emphasizing their settled, though captive, existence [[Ezekiel 3:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3529}}` is tied to its role as a stage for divine activity outside the land of Israel.
* **Revelation in Exile:** By serving as the location for Ezekiel’s commission, the river **Chebar** demonstrates that God’s presence and word are not confined to the Temple in Jerusalem but extend to His people even in captivity [[Ezekiel 1:3]].
* **Manifestation of Divine Glory:** Ezekiel sees "the glory of the LORD" by the river **Chebar** [[Ezekiel 3:23]], confirming that God’s sovereignty and majesty are present with the exiles. The visions here are explicitly linked to what was seen in Jerusalem [[Ezekiel 43:3]].
* **A Portal to the Heavens:** The river **Chebar** acts as a nexus point where the heavens are opened [[Ezekiel 1:1]]. It is the site where Ezekiel **saw** `{{H7200}}` heavenly beings like the **cherubims** `{{H3742}}`, revealing the workings of the divine realm to a prophet on earth [[Ezekiel 10:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3529}}` **Kᵉbâr** is much more than a geographical name. It is a landmark of profound theological importance, representing the specific place where God met with His prophet and people during one of the most difficult periods in their history. The events at the river **Chebar** underscore the truth that God's presence, glory, and revelation are not bound by location, offering a message of hope and divine faithfulness to those in exile.
TRV