from נָבַח; a bark; Nobach, the name of an Israelite, and of a place East of the Jordan; Nobah.
Transliteration:Nôbach
Pronunciation:no'-bach
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5025 Nôbach (נֹבַח) is a proper noun derived from the verb נָבַח (nabach), which signifies "to bark" (as a dog). While the etymological root refers to a sound, the proper noun Nôbach does not carry this literal meaning but rather functions as a name. It refers to both an individual and a geographical location in the Transjordan region. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its specific referents in the biblical text, without retaining the figurative or literal sense of its verbal root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H5025 appears in the Hebrew Bible in two primary contexts, referring to both a person and a place:
1. **As a Person:** Nobach is identified as a Manassite who played a role in the Israelite conquest of the Transjordan. [[Numbers 32:42]] states, "And Nobah went and captured Kenath and its villages, and called it Nobah, after his own name." This verse highlights Nobach's military initiative and the ancient practice of renaming conquered territories after the conqueror. This act is part of the larger narrative of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh settling east of the Jordan, contingent on their participation in the conquest of Canaan.
2. **As a Place:** The place "Nobah" is the renamed city of Kenath, situated east of the Jordan. Its location is further corroborated in [[Judges 8:11]], where it is mentioned in the account of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna: "And Gideon went up by the way of the tent dwellers east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the army, for the army felt secure." This verse places Nobah alongside Jogbehah (`{{H3104}}`) as a recognizable landmark in the Transjordan, indicating its continued existence and geographical significance during the period of the Judges. The mention in Judges confirms that the name change enacted by the individual Nobach persisted.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root נָבַח (nabach), meaning "to bark." While H5025 is derived from this root, the semantic connection is purely etymological and does not imply that the person or place "barked."
Concepts related to H5025 include:
* **Conquest and Inheritance:** Nobach's action is part of Israel's broader conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, specifically the Transjordan region allotted to the eastern tribes. This aligns with the divine promise of land to Abraham's descendants.
* **Renaming of Places:** The practice of renaming captured or significant locations, often after individuals or events, is a recurring theme in the Old Testament (e.g., Dan, Bethel). This served to memorialize actions, establish ownership, or commemorate significant events.
* **Tribal Allocation:** The settlement of the Manassites, including Nobach's territory, exemplifies the division and allocation of land among the Israelite tribes.
* **Geographical Markers:** Nobah, as a place name, serves as an important geographical marker in biblical narratives, aiding in the reconstruction of ancient routes and boundaries.
### Theological Significance
The individual Nobach and the place named after him, while seemingly minor details, contribute to the larger theological tapestry of the Old Testament.
1. **Fulfillment of Divine Promise:** Nobach's conquest of Kenath and its subsequent renaming, though a human act, fits within the overarching divine plan for Israel to inherit the land. The allocation of territory to the tribes, including those east of the Jordan, was part of God's covenant faithfulness.
2. **Human Agency in Divine Plan:** Nobach's initiative demonstrates human agency operating within the parameters of God's sovereign will. The Manassites' willingness to participate in the conquest of Canaan, even after securing their own land, was a condition for their Transjordan settlement, reflecting a commitment to the communal divine mission.
3. **Legacy and Memory:** The act of renaming a place after oneself underscores the importance of legacy and remembrance in ancient Israelite culture. While not explicitly tied to a theological virtue, the desire for one's name to endure often reflected a hope for lasting impact and recognition within the covenant community.
4. **Historical Specificity:** The inclusion of such specific geographical and personal details like Nobah lends historical verisimilitude to the biblical narrative, emphasizing that these events transpired in real time and space, under the watchful eye of the God of history.
### Summary
H5025 Nôbach, derived from the verb "to bark," functions exclusively as a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible. It refers to both a Manassite individual who conquered the city of Kenath and renamed it after himself ([[Numbers 32:42]]), and the place itself, located east of the Jordan. Its appearances in [[Numbers 32:42]] and [[Judges 8:11]] firmly establish its role within the historical and geographical narratives of Israel's early settlement and tribal divisions. Theologically, the story of Nobach exemplifies the interplay of human agency and divine providence in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land. The renaming of the city also highlights ancient Israelite practices of memorialization and the importance of specific geographical markers in the biblical record, contributing to the historical depth and reliability of the sacred text.
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