probably of foreign derivation; Nebo, the name of a Babylonian deity, also of a mountain in Moab, and of a place in Palestine; Nebo.
Transliteration:Nᵉbôw
Pronunciation:neb-o'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נְבוֹ (Nᵉbôw), Strong's number `{{H5015}}`, is a proper noun with a complex semantic range, derived likely from a foreign source, specifically Akkadian. Its core meaning encompasses three distinct referents within the biblical text:
1. **A Babylonian Deity:** Nᵉbôw is identified as a pagan god in the prophetic literature. This usage points to its origin as the Akkadian god Nabu, the patron deity of writing, wisdom, and prophecy, often associated with Marduk.
2. **A Mountain in Moab:** Most famously, Nᵉbôw designates a prominent mountain peak in the land of Moab, east of the Jordan River. This mountain is intrinsically linked to the final days of Moses.
3. **A Place/Town in Palestine:** The name Nᵉbôw also refers to at least one, and possibly more, human settlements within the tribal territories of ancient Israel, specifically mentioned in the Transjordanian region and among those returning from Babylonian exile.
The common thread is the proper name itself, but its application shifts between a divine entity and geographical locations, with the latter potentially named after the former or sharing a common linguistic root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of Nᵉbôw in the Hebrew Bible reveal its varied significance:
* **As a Deity:**
* [[Isaiah 46:1]]: "Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on beasts and livestock; these things you carry are a burden, a load for the weary." Here, Nᵉbôw is presented alongside Bel (Marduk) as a prominent Babylonian idol. The prophet Isaiah mocks these deities, depicting them as powerless, unable to save themselves or their worshippers, and instead being carried away as spoils of war by the conquering Persians. This context powerfully contrasts the impotence of pagan gods with the omnipotence and enduring nature of YHWH.
* **As a Mountain:**
* [[Deuteronomy 32:49]]: "Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession."
* [[Deuteronomy 34:1]]: "Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land..."
These passages describe Mount Nebo as the final earthly destination for Moses. From its summit, he was granted a panoramic view of the Promised Land, a land he would not enter due to his disobedience at Meribah. The mountain thus serves as a poignant symbol of divine promise, human limitation, and the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. It is a place of ultimate perspective and ultimate farewell.
* **As a Place/Town:**
* [[Numbers 32:3]]: (Regarding the Reubenites and Gadites) "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon." This verse lists Nebo as one of the towns rebuilt by the Reubenites in the Transjordanian territory.
* [[1 Chronicles 5:8]]: (In a genealogy of Reubenites) "Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, as far as Nebo and Baal-meon." This confirms Nebo's location within the Reubenite tribal allocation.
* [[Ezra 2:29]]: "The sons of Nebo, 52."
* [[Nehemiah 7:33]]: "The men of the other Nebo, 52."
These two verses in Ezra and Nehemiah refer to a group of returnees from Babylonian exile whose ancestors were from a place called Nebo. The phrase "other Nebo" in Nehemiah might suggest there was more than one locality bearing this name, or it distinguishes this group from another group listed nearby. These occurrences highlight the persistence of the name in the geographical and socio-historical landscape of Israel, even after the exile.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Nᵉbôw connects to several significant biblical words and concepts:
* **Idolatry and Paganism:** In its divine aspect, Nᵉbôw is intrinsically linked to `{{H1078}}` Bel and the broader concept of false gods. Its depiction in Isaiah 46 underscores the biblical polemic against polytheism and the exclusive sovereignty of YHWH.
* **Mountains in Biblical Theology:** As a geographical feature, Mount Nebo is related to other significant mountains like Mount Pisgah (often used interchangeably or as a peak of Nebo, [[Deuteronomy 34:1]]) and Mount Abarim (the range containing Nebo, [[Numbers 27:12]], [[Deuteronomy 32:49]]). Mountains in the Bible often serve as sites of divine revelation (e.g., Sinai), testing, or significant historical events.
* **The Promised Land and Covenant:** The view from Mount Nebo is directly tied to the divine promise of the land to Abraham's descendants and the covenant fulfillment. Moses' inability to enter the land, despite seeing it, highlights themes of divine justice and human accountability within the covenant framework.
* **Exile and Return:** The mention of "sons of Nebo" among the returnees from exile (Ezra, Nehemiah) points to the enduring connection between the people of Israel and their designated territories, even after periods of displacement.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Nᵉbôw is multifaceted, deriving from its distinct applications:
* **The Impotence of Idols:** As a Babylonian deity, Nᵉbôw serves as a powerful theological symbol of the utter futility and powerlessness of all false gods. Isaiah 46:1 is a divine indictment against idolatry, asserting YHWH's absolute sovereignty and uniqueness. The image of the idol being carried away by weary beasts stands in stark contrast to YHWH, who carries His people (Isaiah 46:3-4). This passage underscores a core theological truth: there is no god besides the LORD.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Human Limitation:** Mount Nebo is a profoundly significant theological landmark. It represents the culmination of YHWH's faithfulness in bringing Israel to the edge of the Promised Land, fulfilling His covenant promises. Simultaneously, it is the place where Moses, the great lawgiver and leader, faces the consequence of his own sin. His view from Nebo – seeing but not entering – beautifully encapsulates the tension between divine grace and human accountability, and the reality that even the most faithful servants are subject to God's righteous judgment. It also foreshadows the need for a new leadership (Joshua) and a new covenant, as the old generation passes away.
* **God's Presence in the Land:** The existence of towns named Nebo, inhabited by Israelites, including those returning from exile, signifies God's enduring commitment to His people and their inheritance in the land. It grounds the theological narrative in a tangible, geographical reality, emphasizing the physical fulfillment of divine promises.
### Summary
The word Nᵉbôw (`{{H5015}}`) in the Hebrew Bible carries a rich and layered significance. It functions primarily as a proper noun referring to three distinct entities: a defeated Babylonian deity, a pivotal mountain in Moab, and various Israelite towns. Theologically, Nᵉbôw as a deity underscores the absolute supremacy of YHWH over all false gods, declaring the futility of idolatry. As Mount Nebo, it marks a profound moment in salvation history, symbolizing both God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the consequences of human disobedience, as Moses views the Promised Land but is barred from entering. Finally, the towns named Nebo highlight the historical presence and continuity of God's people within the land, even through periods of exile and return. Thus, Nᵉbôw encapsulates themes of divine sovereignty, covenant fulfillment, human accountability, and the stark contrast between true worship and the worship of impotent idols.
TRV