The Hebrew word Nôwdâb, represented by H5114, identifies an Arab tribe. Derived from a root meaning noble, its sole appearance in scripture is within a historical record of conflict. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible.
The single biblical reference to H5114 is found in a genealogical and historical account. In this passage, Nodab is listed as one of several tribes, including the Hagarites, Jetur, and Nephish, against whom war was made 1 Chronicles 5:19. The name serves to identify one of the specific groups involved in this military engagement.
Several related words provide the context for the appearance of Nodab:
- H1905 Hagrîy (a Hagrite or member of a certain Arabian clan): This term identifies the people with whom Nodab was allied. The text explicitly states that war was made with the Hagarites and with Nodab 1 Chronicles 5:19.
- H4421 milchâmâh (a battle; generally, war): This word defines the event in which Nodab is mentioned. The tribe's only appearance is as a participant in a war 1 Chronicles 5:19.
- H6213 ʻâsâh (to do or make): This verb establishes the action of the narrative. The verse states that the opposing forces "made" war against Nodab and its allies, setting the scene for the conflict 1 Chronicles 5:19.
While the name H5114 itself carries no direct theological exposition, its context is part of a larger biblical theme concerning divine sovereignty in conflict.
- Divine Intervention in Battle: The appearance of Nodab is within a war H4421, a setting often used in scripture to show God's power. The principle that "the battle is not yours, but God's" 2 Chronicles 20:15 is a relevant theme.
- Reliance on God: The broader context of the conflict reveals that the Hagarites (Nodab's allies) were defeated because their opponents "cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him" 1 Chronicles 5:20.
- Historical Illustration: The mention of Nodab serves to populate a historical event that illustrates a theological truth: human conflicts are ultimately subject to God's will and intervention on behalf of those who trust in Him.
In summary, H5114 Nôwdâb is a specific, single-mention term for an Arab tribe. Its sole appearance places it as an adversary in a conflict recorded in scripture. While the term itself is not theologically developed, the narrative in which it is embedded is significant, illustrating the biblical principle that the outcome of a war H4421 is determined by God's power and the faith of the combatants.
TRV