The Hebrew proper name Tsibyâh, represented by H6645, identifies Zibiah, an Israelite woman. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name's definition points to this specific individual from Beersheba, whose sole mention in scripture is in relation to her son, a king of Judah.
In the biblical narrative, H6645 is used exclusively to identify the mother of King Jehoash (also referred to as Joash). Both occurrences specify that Zibiah of Beersheba was the mother of the king who began his rule in the seventh year of Jehu and reigned for forty years in Jerusalem (2 Kings 12:1, 2 Chronicles 24:1). Her inclusion serves to formally record the maternal lineage of King Joash within the royal chronicles.
The verses where Zibiah is mentioned connect her to two significant Hebrew words:
- H517 ʼêm (mother): This primitive word defines a mother as the bond of the family. It is used to establish Zibiah's role in the royal line 2 Kings 12:1. The term is fundamental to family structure and is a key part of the commandment to "Honour thy father and thy mother" Exodus 20:12.
- H8034 shêm (name): This word signifies an appellation or a memorial of individuality, and by implication, character or authority. Zibiah is identified by her name 2 Chronicles 24:1, which solidifies her identity in the historical record. A name holds great weight, as seen when people are called by God's name 2 Chronicles 7:14 or when his guidance is provided for His name's sake Psalms 23:3.
The significance of H6645 is rooted in its role within the royal history of Judah.
- Maternal Lineage in Monarchy: The specific recording of Zibiah as the mother of King Joash highlights the importance of maternal lineage in the official chronicles. Her identity as a woman from Beersheba is preserved as part of the king's formal record 2 Kings 12:1.
- A Memorial of Individuality: By being named, Zibiah is given a permanent place in the scriptural account. This aligns with the concept of a name H8034 serving as a memorial, ensuring a person is not forgotten and can achieve "praise and fame" Zephaniah 3:19.
- The Foundational Role of a Mother: As the mother H517 of the king, Zibiah represents the foundational family unit. The honor given to a mother is a divine commandment Deuteronomy 5:16, and her role in the womb is acknowledged as a place of divine formation Psalms 139:13.
In summary, H6645 is not a common noun but the specific proper name Zibiah. Her identity is preserved in scripture solely through her role as the mother of King Joash of Judah. The mention of her name illustrates the biblical practice of recording maternal lineage in royal history and connects to the broader themes of the importance of a name H8034 as a memorial and a mother H517 as a foundational part of the family.
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