the same as עֲזוּבָה; Azubah, the name of two Israelitesses; Azubah.
Transliteration:ʻĂzûwbâh
Pronunciation:az-oo-baw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֲזוּבָה (ʻĂzûwbâh, `{{H5806}}`) is exclusively a proper noun in the biblical text, serving as the name for two distinct Israelitesses. Its etymology, however, provides significant insight into its underlying meaning. The word is derived from the verb עָזַב (ʻazab, `{{H5800}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to forsake," "to abandon," "to leave," or "to desert." Consequently, the name עֲזוּבָה itself signifies "forsaken" or "abandoned." While the word עֲזוּבָה does not function as a common noun in Scripture, its root meaning imbues the proper noun with a profound semantic resonance, hinting at a state of being left behind or deserted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
עֲזוּבָה (ʻĂzûwbâh, `{{H5806}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two specific instances, each referring to a different woman:
1. **Caleb's Wife:** The first mention is in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, identifying Azubah as one of Caleb's wives. [[1 Chronicles 2:18]] states, "Caleb also had children by Azubah, his wife, and by Jerioth." The following verse, [[1 Chronicles 2:19]], clarifies that Azubah died, and Caleb then took Ephrath as his wife, who bore Hur. In this context, Azubah is presented as a matriarchal figure within a prominent family line, contributing to the lineage of Caleb, a highly respected and faithful leader in Israel. Beyond her marital status and motherhood, the text provides no further narrative detail about her character or actions.
2. **King Jehoshaphat's Mother:** The second instance identifies Azubah as the mother of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. [[1 Kings 22:42]] states, "Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi." A parallel account is found in [[2 Chronicles 20:31]], which reiterates, "Jehoshaphat began to reign when he was thirty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi." As the mother of a king, Azubah held a position of significant, albeit indirect, influence within the royal court. Jehoshaphat is consistently portrayed as one of the more righteous kings of Judah, who "walked in the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them" ([[1 Kings 22:43]]). Similar to Caleb's wife, the biblical narrative provides no personal description or actions for this Azubah, focusing solely on her maternal role in the royal succession.
In both occurrences, עֲזוּבָה functions purely as an identifier within genealogical and royal records. The lack of descriptive narrative about either woman means that their individual stories do not elaborate on the meaning of their name. Instead, the significance must be drawn from the inherent meaning of עֲזוּבָה itself and its broader theological implications.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root עָזַב (ʻazab, `{{H5800}}`), from which עֲזוּבָה (`{{H5806}}`) is derived. This root is prevalent throughout the Hebrew Bible and carries a wide semantic range related to leaving, abandoning, or forsaking.
Examples of עָזַב (`{{H5800}}`) in use include:
* **Divine Faithfulness:** God's promise not to forsake His people ([[Deuteronomy 31:6]], [[Psalm 37:25]], [[Hebrews 13:5]]). This theme underscores God's steadfast covenant loyalty, even when His people might feel abandoned.
* **Human Disobedience:** Instances where people forsake God, His law, or His covenant ([[Jeremiah 1:16]], [[Judges 2:13]]). This highlights the consequences of spiritual abandonment.
* **Physical Abandonment:** Leaving a place, a person, or a possession ([[Genesis 24:27]], [[Isaiah 6:12]]).
* **Social Abandonment:** The plight of the poor, the widow, or the orphan who might feel forsaken ([[Psalm 27:10]]).
The noun form עֲזוּבָה (`{{H5806}}`) is distinct from other derivatives of עָזַב (`{{H5800}}`) that might describe a "forsaken place" (e.g., עֲזוּבָה as a common noun in [[Isaiah 6:12]] referring to a desolate land, though this is a different Strong's number `{{H5807}}`). The focus for עֲזוּבָה (`{{H5806}}`) is its role as a personal name. The irony of a name meaning "forsaken" being given to individuals connected to such prominent and blessed figures (Caleb, a faithful warrior; Jehoshaphat, a righteous king) invites reflection on the complexities of naming conventions and the potential for a name to carry a meaning that transcends the individual's known biography.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עֲזוּבָה (ʻĂzûwbâh, `{{H5806}}`) lies not in the actions of the individuals bearing the name, as the biblical text provides no such detail, but rather in the profound meaning inherent in the name itself: "forsaken" or "abandoned." This resonates deeply with several core biblical themes:
1. **The Human Condition:** The name עֲזוּבָה can be seen as a poignant reflection of the human experience of vulnerability, loss, and the feeling of being abandoned. This is a recurring motif in the Psalms, where the psalmist often cries out to God from a place of perceived abandonment ([[Psalm 22:1]], [[Psalm 71:9]]). The name thus quietly acknowledges a universal human lament.
2. **God's Unwavering Faithfulness:** In stark contrast to the name's meaning, the broader biblical narrative consistently emphasizes God's promise *not* to forsake His people. Phrases like "I will never leave you nor forsake you" ([[Deuteronomy 31:6]], [[Joshua 1:5]], [[Hebrews 13:5]]) are foundational to the covenant relationship. The presence of a name meaning "forsaken" within the lineage of God's chosen people and kings serves as a subtle, perhaps even paradoxical, reminder of this divine faithfulness. It underscores that even when individuals or nations might feel forsaken, God's steadfast love endures.
3. **Christological Echoes:** The ultimate expression of "forsakenness" in the biblical narrative is found in the cry of Jesus on the cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([[Matthew 27:46]], [[Mark 15:34]]). This profound moment of divine abandonment, borne for the redemption of humanity, gives the concept of "forsakenness" its deepest theological weight. While not directly linked to the women named Azubah, the name itself carries a resonance with this ultimate act of redemptive suffering.
The name עֲזוּבָה, though seemingly minor, thus points to a central tension in biblical theology: the reality of human experience, which often involves feelings of abandonment and vulnerability, set against the backdrop of God's unwavering and eternal presence. It is a quiet testament to the biblical narrative's capacity to reflect both the depths of human suffering and the heights of divine faithfulness, even within the simple act of naming.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֲזוּבָה (ʻĂzûwbâh, `{{H5806}}`) is a proper noun, exclusively used in the Bible as the name of two Israelitesses: Caleb's wife and King Jehoshaphat's mother. Derived from the verb עָזַב (ʻazab, `{{H5800}}`), meaning "to forsake" or "to abandon," the name עֲזוּבָה itself signifies "forsaken." While the biblical texts offer no personal details about these women, their name carries a profound theological resonance. It subtly reflects the human condition of vulnerability and the feeling of being abandoned, a theme echoed in various biblical laments. More significantly, it stands in stark contrast to the overarching biblical message of God's unwavering faithfulness, His promise never to forsake His covenant people. Thus, עֲזוּבָה serves as a quiet reminder of the tension between human experience and divine steadfastness, ultimately pointing to the enduring nature of God's presence even amidst perceived abandonment.
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