The Hebrew word Kûwb, represented by H3552, is a term of foreign derivation identifying Kub, a country near Egypt. Also rendered as Chub, this name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a highly specific geographical reference.
The sole appearance of H3552 is in the prophetic oracle of Ezekiel. In a declaration of judgment, Kûwb is listed among a coalition of nations allied with Egypt. The prophecy states that Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, "and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword" Ezekiel 30:5. Its context is exclusively one of impending military defeat and divine retribution, placing it squarely within a group of nations destined for a shared downfall.
Several other words in its immediate context clarify the nature of this judgment:
- H3568 Kûwsh: This refers to Cush (or Ethiopia), the territory of a son of Ham. It is frequently mentioned in prophecies concerning Egypt and its neighbors (Ezekiel 30:5, Jeremiah 46:9).
- H6316 Pûwṭ: A term of foreign origin for Put, a son of Ham, also referring to his descendants or their region. It is often translated as Libya and listed as a military ally Ezekiel 30:5.
- H1285 bᵉrîyth: This word means a compact, confederacy, covenant, or league. Its use in the passage highlights that the downfall of these nations is tied to their formal alliance Ezekiel 30:5.
- H2719 chereb: Meaning a sword or other cutting instrument, this word identifies the agent of destruction that will befall Kûwb and its allies Ezekiel 30:5.
The theological significance of H3552 is derived entirely from its singular, specific context in Ezekiel's prophecy.
- Divine Sovereignty over Nations: The inclusion of Kûwb in a list of foreign powers demonstrates that God's authority and judgment extend to all nations, not just Israel. No alliance is beyond the reach of His decrees.
- Collective Judgment: The passage illustrates the principle of shared consequence. Kûwb is part of a "league" H1285 and, as such, shares the same fate as its more powerful allies, showing that alignment with those who face divine judgment leads to a common ruin Ezekiel 30:5.
- Prophetic Scope: The specific naming of a less prominent nation like Kûwb underscores the comprehensive and detailed nature of God's prophetic word, which accounts for all participants in global conflicts.
In summary, while H3552 Kûwb is a rare term, its single mention is potent. It functions as a specific marker in a prophecy of widespread judgment, illustrating the biblical themes of God's absolute sovereignty over international politics and the grave consequences for nations that form alliances destined for destruction. Its appearance in Ezekiel 30:5 serves as a reminder that all nations, great and small, are accountable within the scope of divine justice.
TRV