### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nôbach**, represented by `{{H5025}}`, is used as the name of an Israelite and a place located east of the Jordan. Derived from a root meaning "a bark," it appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage is specific, tied to an act of conquest and the subsequent renaming of a territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The narrative of `{{H5025}}` begins in the book of Numbers, where an Israelite named **Nobah** **went** `{{H1980}}` and **took** `{{H3920}}` a city named Kenath with its surrounding **villages** `{{H1323}}`. In an act of establishing his legacy, he then **called** `{{H7121}}` the newly captured territory **Nobah**, after his own **name** `{{H8034}}` [[Numbers 32:42]]. Later, in the book of Judges, this location serves as a geographical landmark. The warrior **Gideon** `{{H1439}}` pursued an enemy **host** `{{H4264}}`, passing to the **east** `{{H6924}}` of the city of **Nobah** on his way to smite them [[Judges 8:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding **Nobah**:
* `{{H3920}}` **lâkad** (to capture or occupy): This word describes the initial action taken by the Israelite Nobah to conquer Kenath, highlighting the military nature of the event [[Numbers 32:42]].
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call out to... give name): This verb is central to the story, as Nobah **called** the city after himself, an act of claiming authority and creating a memorial [[Numbers 32:42]].
* `{{H1439}}` **Gidʻôwn** (feller (i.e. warrior); Gidon, an Israelite; Gideon): The later reference to the city of Nobah places it within the significant military campaign of **Gideon**, cementing its place in Israel's history [[Judges 8:11]].
### Theological Significance
The story of `{{H5025}}` illustrates several key themes:
* **Conquest and Possession:** The act of Nobah taking Kenath is a direct example of an Israelite occupying territory east of the Jordan, a theme tied to the settlement of the promised land [[Numbers 32:42]].
* **Renaming as an Act of Authority:** By giving the captured city his own **name** `{{H8034}}`, Nobah demonstrates dominion over the land and establishes a permanent record of his victory [[Numbers 32:42]].
* **Historical Landmark:** The city of Nobah becomes an established geographical point, serving as a reference in the later account of Gideon's battle, which shows the lasting impact of this initial conquest [[Judges 8:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5025}}` **Nôbach** holds a unique dual identity in the scriptures as both a person and a place. The narrative demonstrates a clear progression from an individual's act of conquest to the establishment of a lasting geographical and historical landmark. Though its appearances are few, the story of Nobah provides a concise illustration of Israelite expansion, the assertion of authority through naming, and the creation of a legacy that becomes part of the nation's larger story.
TRV