feminine participle passive of סָבַב; properly, an environment, i.e. circumstance or turn of affairs; cause.
Transliteration:nᵉçibbâh
Pronunciation:nes-ib-baw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נְסִבָּה (nᵉçibbâh, `{{H5252}}`) is a feminine passive participle derived from the root סָבַב (sāḇaḇ, `{{H5437}}`), which fundamentally means "to turn," "to go around," or "to surround." As a passive participle, נְסִבָּה therefore denotes "that which is turned" or "that which is caused to turn." This etymology informs its semantic range, encompassing concepts such as an "environment," a "circumstance," or a "turn of affairs." Crucially, it also carries the sense of a "cause" or an underlying reason, suggesting not merely a passive observation of events but an active impetus behind them. It points to the specific situation or set of conditions that brings about a particular outcome, often implying a deliberate orchestration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נְסִבָּה (nᵉçibbâh, `{{H5252}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its singular occurrence profoundly significant.
* **[[1 Kings 12:15]]**: "So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs from the Lord, that He might establish His word, which the Lord spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat."
In this pivotal historical moment, Rehoboam, Solomon's son, refuses to lighten the burden on the people, leading directly to the division of the united kingdom of Israel. The text explicitly states that Rehoboam's obstinacy was not merely a human error or political miscalculation, but a נְסִבָּה – a "turn of affairs" or "cause" – orchestrated "from the Lord." This divine intervention served a specific purpose: "that He might establish His word, which the Lord spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat" (referring to [[1 Kings 11:29-39]]). The word here denotes a divinely appointed circumstance, a specific situation brought about by God to fulfill His prophetic decree. It highlights God's active hand in shaping human history and political outcomes, even through the seemingly negative or foolish actions of human leaders.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to נְסִבָּה (nᵉçibbâh, `{{H5252}}`) is its verbal root, סָבַב (sāḇaḇ, `{{H5437}}`), which means "to turn," "to go around," or "to surround." This root is used extensively in the Hebrew Bible to describe physical movement, surrounding an enemy, or the cyclical nature of time. The passive nominal form נְסִבָּה draws on this core meaning, denoting something that has been "turned" or "brought about."
Related concepts include:
* **Divine Sovereignty**: The overarching theological principle that God is ultimately in control of all events, including human decisions and historical developments.
* **Providence**: God's benevolent and wise guidance and care over all creation, specifically His active working out of His purposes in history.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment**: The concept that God's spoken word, particularly through His prophets, will inevitably come to pass, often through unexpected means.
* **Cause and Effect**: While human actions have immediate consequences, נְסִבָּה points to a deeper, divine causality behind certain significant events.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, נְסִבָּה (nᵉçibbâh, `{{H5252}}`) carries profound theological weight. Its use in [[1 Kings 12:15]] serves as a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs. The division of the kingdom, a tragic and pivotal moment in Israel's history, is not presented as a random occurrence or solely the result of Rehoboam's poor judgment. Instead, it is explicitly identified as a "turn of affairs from the Lord." This signifies that God actively orchestrated the circumstances, even using Rehoboam's stubbornness, to bring about His predetermined will and fulfill His prophetic word spoken through Ahijah.
This word underscores that God is not merely a passive observer of history but an active participant, shaping events to achieve His divine purposes. It demonstrates that even human sin, folly, or rebellion can be woven into the fabric of God's overarching plan, not because God causes evil, but because He is able to use and direct all things towards His righteous ends. The theological implication is one of deep assurance in God's providence and the certainty of His word. It teaches that even in moments of political upheaval and human failure, God remains faithful to His promises and is actively working to establish His kingdom.
### Summary
The Hebrew term נְסִבָּה (nᵉçibbâh, `{{H5252}}`), derived from the root סָבַב (sāḇaḇ, `{{H5437}}`) meaning "to turn," denotes a "circumstance," "turn of affairs," or a "cause." Its sole biblical appearance in [[1 Kings 12:15]] is exceptionally significant, revealing a profound theological truth. In this context, Rehoboam's refusal to listen to the people is described as a נְסִבָּה "from the Lord," signifying that God actively orchestrated this specific "turn of events" to fulfill His prior prophetic word concerning the division of the kingdom. This singular usage powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over human history, demonstrating that even seemingly independent human actions and political upheavals are ultimately under divine direction to accomplish His purposes and establish His promises. The word thus serves as a concise yet potent declaration of divine providence and the unwavering certainty of God's word.
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