or צוֹבָה; or צֹבָה; from an unused root meaning to station; a station; Zoba or Zobah, a region of Syria; Zoba, Zobah.
Transliteration:Tsôwbâʼ
Pronunciation:tso-baw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צוֹבָא (Tsôwbâʼ, `{{H6678}}`) and its variants צוֹבָה and צֹבָה derive from an unused root signifying "to station." This etymological root informs the primary meaning of the word as "a station" or a fixed, established place. In its biblical usage, however, the term functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating Zobah (or Zoba), a specific geographical region and kingdom in ancient Syria. The semantic range is therefore narrow, centering on its identity as a distinct geopolitical entity in the Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צוֹבָא (Tsôwbâʼ, `{{H6678}}`) consistently refers to the Aramean kingdom of Zobah, a significant power in Syria during the early Israelite monarchy. Its occurrences illuminate a period of intense geopolitical struggle and the expansion of Israel's dominion.
* In [[1 Samuel 14:47]], Zobah is listed among the enemies against whom Saul fought, indicating its status as an independent and formidable kingdom.
* The most detailed accounts of Zobah appear in relation to King David's reign. [[2 Samuel 8:3-12]] and its parallel in [[1 Chronicles 18:3-10]] describe David's decisive defeat of Hadadezer, king of Zobah. This victory was crucial for Israel, leading to the capture of vast spoils (gold, silver, bronze) and the establishment of garrisons in Aram. The defeat of Zobah marked a significant expansion of David's kingdom and a consolidation of Israelite power in the region. The mention of Hadadezer's allies, such as the Arameans of Damascus, further highlights Zobah's regional influence.
* Zobah's continued geopolitical relevance is seen in [[1 Kings 11:23-25]], where Rezin, a former officer of Hadadezer, establishes himself as king in Damascus and becomes an adversary to Solomon, indicating a lingering anti-Israelite sentiment originating from Zobah's former sphere of influence.
* In [[1 Chronicles 19:6-19]], Zobah is depicted as a key ally of the Ammonites against David, providing chariots and horsemen. This account underscores Zobah's military strength and its persistent opposition to Israel. David's subsequent victory over this coalition further cemented his regional dominance.
Across these passages, Zobah emerges as a powerful Aramean kingdom, a significant military opponent of Israel, whose eventual subjugation contributed to the glory and wealth of David's kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
While צוֹבָא (Tsôwbâʼ, `{{H6678}}`) itself is a proper noun, its context connects it to several key biblical concepts and related terms. The underlying root meaning "to station" implies a sense of establishment or fixedness, which is fitting for a recognized kingdom. Geographically, Zobah is intrinsically linked with Aram (Syria) and its various city-states, particularly Damascus. Other related terms include:
* `{{H758}}`: Aram (אֲרָם), the broader region of Syria, encompassing Zobah.
* `{{H1834}}`: Damascus (דַּמֶּשֶׂק), often mentioned in conjunction with Zobah as a regional power or ally.
* `{{H230}}`: Hadadezer (הֲדַדְעֶזֶר), the prominent king of Zobah defeated by David.
* `{{H1732}}`: David (דָּוִד), the primary figure who subdued Zobah.
* Concepts of *kingdom* (מַמְלָכָה, `{{H4467}}`), *warfare* (מִלְחָמָה, `{{H4421}}`), *tribute* (מִנְחָה, `{{H4503}}`), and *dominion* (מֶמְשָׁלָה, `{{H4475}}`) are central to understanding Zobah's role in biblical history.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Zobah lies primarily in its role as an adversary overcome by God's chosen king, David. The defeat of Hadadezer of Zobah is not merely a historical military victory but a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with David ([[2 Samuel 7]]). It demonstrates God's power to grant victory to His anointed one and expand the borders of His people's inheritance, fulfilling promises made to Abraham.
The vast spoils taken from Zobah—gold, silver, and bronze—were consecrated by David and dedicated to the Lord, ultimately contributing to the construction of the Temple ([[2 Samuel 8:10-12]]; [[1 Chronicles 18:10-11]]). This illustrates a profound theological principle: even the wealth and power of nations hostile to God's people can be divinely repurposed for sacred ends and the advancement of God's kingdom. Zobah, therefore, serves as an example of the nations that resist God's purposes but are ultimately brought under His sovereign control, their resources redirected for His glory. The ongoing resistance of figures like Rezin, originating from Zobah's sphere, also highlights the persistent nature of spiritual and geopolitical opposition, necessitating continued reliance on divine strength.
### Summary
צוֹבָא (Tsôwbâʼ, `{{H6678}}`) refers to Zobah, a prominent Aramean kingdom in ancient Syria. Etymologically rooted in the concept of a "station," it represents a fixed and established power. Biblically, Zobah is consistently portrayed as a formidable opponent of Israel, particularly during the reigns of Saul and David. David's decisive victory over Hadadezer of Zobah was a pivotal moment, signifying the expansion of Israel's dominion and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David. The wealth acquired from Zobah was consecrated for the Lord, ultimately contributing to the Temple, thereby demonstrating God's ability to use even the resources of His adversaries for His divine purposes. The narrative of Zobah thus underscores themes of divine sovereignty, the triumph of God's chosen king, and the ultimate subjugation of all opposition to His kingdom.
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