or עוֹרֵב; the same as עֹרֵב; Oreb, the name of a Midianite and of the cliff near the Jordan; Oreb.
Transliteration:ʻÔrêb
Pronunciation:o-rabe'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6159 (עֹרֵב, transliterated ʻÔrêb) is a proper noun, referring to both a person and a geographical location. Its base definition explicitly identifies it as "Oreb," a Midianite prince, and the "cliff near the Jordan" where he met his end. Etymologically, H6159 is directly linked to H6158 (עוֹרֵב), which means "raven" or "crow." Thus, the name "Oreb" itself signifies "raven." While H6159 specifically denotes the proper noun, its semantic range is inherently tied to this avian meaning, suggesting a connection to the characteristics or symbolism associated with ravens in ancient Near Eastern thought, even if applied to a human and a place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H6159 primarily appears in the historical narrative of Gideon's victory over the Midianites.
* **[[Judges 7:25]]**: This verse introduces Oreb as one of the two Midianite princes (the other being Zeeb, `{{H2062}}`) captured and killed by the men of Ephraim after Gideon's initial rout of the Midianite army. The text specifically states that Oreb was killed "at the rock of Oreb" (צּוּר עֹרֵב), indicating that the location was either already known by this name or, more likely, received its name from this pivotal event. The swift execution of these leaders marked a decisive turn in the battle, signaling the complete collapse of the Midianite resistance.
* **[[Isaiah 10:26]]**: The prophet Isaiah references the "slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb" as a historical paradigm of divine judgment and deliverance. This allusion demonstrates that Gideon's victory, and specifically the demise of Oreb, became a well-known and significant event in Israel's history, serving as a powerful symbol of God's intervention against His enemies.
* **[[Psalm 83:11]]**: In this psalm of lament and prayer for deliverance from hostile nations, the psalmist invokes the historical precedent of Oreb and Zeeb, alongside other defeated enemies like Sisera and Jabin. The prayer asks God to "make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb," calling for a similar devastating defeat upon the contemporary adversaries of Israel. This further solidifies Oreb's place in Israel's collective memory as a figure whose defeat exemplified divine retribution.
In all occurrences, H6159 is associated with the decisive defeat and destruction of an enemy of Israel, with the "rock of Oreb" serving as a lasting memorial to this event.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to H6159 is H6158 (עֹרֵב), meaning "raven" or "crow." This etymological connection is not merely incidental but likely carries symbolic weight. Ravens were often associated with darkness, scavenging, and sometimes ill omens or divine judgment in ancient cultures. For a Midianite prince named "Raven" to be utterly defeated and his demise to name a place of slaughter is deeply ironic and symbolic of the reversal of fortunes.
Another crucial related word is H2062 (זְאֵב, Zeeb), Oreb's companion prince, whose name means "wolf." The pairing of "Raven" and "Wolf" as leaders of the Midianite forces creates a powerful image of predatory, destructive power. Their joint defeat by Gideon's divinely empowered, small army underscores the theme of God's ability to overcome overwhelming odds.
The narrative of Gideon itself (Judges 6-8) is a broader context for H6159, highlighting themes of divine election, miraculous deliverance, and the judgment of oppressors. The Midianites, as the primary antagonists, represent the forces that oppose God's people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6159 centers on divine judgment and the demonstration of God's sovereignty. Oreb, as a powerful enemy prince, represents the oppressive forces that threatened Israel. His spectacular defeat, alongside Zeeb, at the hands of Gideon's numerically inferior but divinely empowered army, serves as a profound testament to God's ability to deliver His people and execute justice.
The "rock of Oreb" becomes more than just a geographical marker; it is a permanent memorial to divine intervention. It signifies a place where God's enemies were decisively overthrown, their strength turned to weakness, and their pride brought low. The later references in Isaiah and Psalms transform Oreb's defeat into a typological event, a pattern for how God deals with those who oppose Him and oppress His chosen people. It offers hope and assurance to Israel in times of distress, reminding them of God's historical faithfulness and His power to bring about salvation through unexpected means. The irony of the "raven" (a scavenger) becoming the scavenged further underscores the complete reversal of power orchestrated by God.
### Summary
H6159 (עֹרֵב, Oreb) is a proper noun denoting both a prominent Midianite prince and the "rock" where he was executed following Gideon's miraculous victory. Etymologically linked to the word for "raven," the name of this enemy leader ironically foreshadows his ultimate demise. Biblically, Oreb's death at the "rock of Oreb" (recorded in [[Judges 7:25]]) became a powerful historical precedent, referenced by Isaiah ([[Isaiah 10:26]]) and the Psalmist ([[Psalm 83:11]]) as a symbol of God's decisive judgment against His adversaries. The theological significance of H6159 lies in its witness to divine sovereignty, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people and bring about the downfall of those who oppose His will, leaving a lasting memorial to His justice.
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