The Hebrew word Nᵉbôw, represented by H5015, is used to identify a Babylonian deity, a mountain in Moab, and a place in Palestine. It appears 13 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible, carrying significant weight in prophetic, historical, and geographical contexts.
In the biblical narrative, H5015 is used in several distinct ways. It is named as a Babylonian deity whose idols are powerless, bowing down and being carried away as a burden on weary beasts Isaiah 46:1. Geographically, it is the name of a mountain from which Moses was shown the land of Canaan before he died Deuteronomy 34:1. The name also refers to a city in Moab that is subject to God's judgment Jeremiah 48:1 and a town rebuilt by the Israelites Numbers 32:38. Finally, it appears as the name of an Israelite family, with the "children of Nebo" returning from exile Ezra 2:29.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which Nebo appears:
- H1078 Bêl (Bel, the Baal of the Babylonians): This deity is mentioned alongside Nebo in a prophecy declaring their downfall, highlighting their status as prominent foreign idols Isaiah 46:1.
- H2022 har (a mountain or range of hills): This word is used to specifically identify mount Nebo as the vantage point from which Moses saw the promised land Deuteronomy 32:49.
- H5682 ʻĂbârîym (regions beyond; Abarim, a place in Palestine): This refers to the mountain range where Mount Nebo is located, establishing its broader geographical setting Numbers 33:47.
- H6449 Piçgâh (a cleft; Pisgah, a Mountain East of Jordan): This specifies the very top of Mount Nebo from which Moses viewed the land of Gilead, Dan, and Jericho Deuteronomy 34:1.
The name H5015 is associated with several key biblical themes:
- The Powerlessness of Idols: Nebo, the deity, is depicted as an idol that "stoopeth" and cannot save itself, let alone its worshippers. This serves as a powerful declaration of the LORD's sovereignty over the gods of other nations Isaiah 46:1.
- Divine Judgment on Nations: The city of Nebo is a focal point in prophecies of judgment against Moab. The "Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled" demonstrates God's authority over all territories and peoples Jeremiah 48:1.
- The Threshold of the Promise: Mount Nebo is the critically important location where Moses's life and leadership culminate. It is a place of seeing the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel, even while being personally barred from entering it Deuteronomy 34:1.
In summary, H5015 is a multifaceted name in scripture, designating a false god, a significant mountain, a city, and a family. It functions not as a single concept but as a landmark in Israel's story, marking the boundary between the wilderness and the promised land, and serving as a subject in prophecies that contrast the futility of idols with the ultimate power of the God of Israel.
TRV