### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsôwbâʼ**, represented by `{{H6678}}`, refers to **Zoba or Zobah, a region of Syria**. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a root meaning "to station," the term consistently denotes a specific Syrian kingdom that played a significant role in the military history of early Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6678}}` is primarily featured as a military adversary to Israel. During the reign of King Saul, he fought against the kings of **Zobah** as part of his campaigns against surrounding enemies [[1 Samuel 14:47]]. The conflict intensified under King David, who famously **smote** `{{H5221}}` Hadadezer, the king of **Zobah**, to establish his border at the Euphrates River [[2 Samuel 8:3]]. Later, the children of Ammon `{{H5983}}` hired soldiers from **Zobah** to fight against David's forces [[2 Samuel 10:6]]. The kingdom is also mentioned as the origin of Rezon, an adversary to Solomon who had fled from his lord, Hadadezer king of **Zobah** [[1 Kings 11:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Zobah's role in the region:
* `{{H1909}}` **Hădadʻezer** (Hadad (is his) help) and `{{H1928}}` **Hădarʻezer** (Hadar (i.e. Hadad) is his help): These are names for the **king** `{{H4428}}` of Zobah who was a primary opponent of King David [[2 Samuel 8:3]].
* `{{H758}}` **ʼĂrâm** (the highland; Aram or Syria): Zobah is identified as a kingdom within this larger territory. Its forces are referred to as the "Syrians of Zoba" [[2 Samuel 10:8]].
* `{{H5983}}` **ʻAmmôwn** (Ammon, Ammonites): This neighboring nation hired the armies of Zobah to wage war against Israel [[1 Chronicles 19:6]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This verb is frequently used to describe David's decisive military victories over the king and armies of Zobah ([[2 Samuel 8:3]], [[1 Chronicles 18:5]]).
* `{{H4124}}` **Môwʼâb** (Moab): Moab is listed alongside Zobah as one of the nations King Saul fought against [[1 Samuel 14:47]] and whose spoil was taken by David [[2 Samuel 8:12]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): The Philistines are also named with the kings of Zobah as enemies whom King Saul fought on every side [[1 Samuel 14:47]].
### Theological Significance
The geopolitical role of `{{H6678}}` is significant in the context of Israel's consolidation of power under the monarchy.
* **Regional Adversary:** Zobah is consistently portrayed as a hostile neighboring kingdom. It was a target of King Saul's wars [[1 Samuel 14:47]] and a major military opponent during David's reign.
* **Military Alliance:** As a prominent Syrian kingdom, Zobah served as a powerful military ally and a source of mercenaries for other nations, such as when the Ammonites hired its footmen and chariots ([[2 Samuel 10:6]], [[1 Chronicles 19:6]]).
* **Subject of Conquest:** The defeat of Zobah and its king, Hadadezer, was a pivotal victory for David. It secured his border at the Euphrates [[1 Chronicles 18:3]] and brought significant spoil, including the spoil of Hadadezer king of Zobah, into Israel's possession [[2 Samuel 8:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6678}}` is far more than a simple geographical name. It represents a key Syrian kingdom whose interactions with Israel define a critical period of regional conflict and national expansion. The narrative arc of Zobah, from an independent adversary of Saul to a conquered territory under David, illustrates the rise of Israel as a dominant power in the ancient Near East.
TRV