### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qabtsᵉʼêl**, represented by `{{H6909}}`, means **"God has gathered"**. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses** and refers to a specific place in Palestine known as Kabzeel. The name is derived from the words for "gather" and "God," pointing to a divinely assembled community or location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6909}}` is primarily identified in two contexts. Geographically, it is listed as one of the **uttermost** `{{H7097}}` **cities** `{{H5892}}` belonging to the tribe of Judah, situated toward the **coast** `{{H1366}}` of **Edom** `{{H123}}` in the **southward** `{{H5045}}` region [[Joshua 15:21]]. It is also known as the hometown of Benaiah, a **valiant** `{{H2428}}` man who performed **many** `{{H7227}}` **acts** `{{H6467}}` in service to David. The accounts in both [[2 Samuel 23:20]] and [[1 Chronicles 11:22]] establish Kabzeel as the origin of this renowned warrior.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the significance of Kabzeel's location and its most notable resident:
* `{{H1141}}` **Bᵉnâyâh** (Benaiah): The definition "Jah has built" complements Kabzeel's meaning. Benaiah is the **valiant** `{{H2428}}` man from Kabzeel, known for slaying two **lionlike men** `{{H739}}` of Moab and a **lion** `{{H738}}` in a **pit** `{{H953}}` [[2 Samuel 23:20]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This term, meaning a guarded city or town, confirms Kabzeel's status as an established settlement within the tribal allotment of Judah [[Joshua 15:21]].
* `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm** (Edom): Signifying the region occupied by the descendants of Jacob's brother, this name defines Kabzeel's strategic position on the southern **border** `{{H1366}}` of Judah's territory [[Joshua 15:21]].
* `{{H2428}}` **chayil** (valor, strength): This word describes the character of Benaiah of Kabzeel. It denotes a force of men, wealth, or virtue, highlighting the strength that originated from this city [[1 Chronicles 11:22]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H6909}}` is rooted in its name and its associations within the biblical text.
* **Divine Gathering:** The name **Qabtsᵉʼêl** itself, meaning "God has gathered," suggests a place founded on the principle of God's work in bringing His people together and establishing their home.
* **Source of Valor:** Kabzeel is immortalized as the home of **Benaiah** `{{H1141}}`, a man of great **valor** `{{H2428}}` and loyalty. His "many acts" associate the city with the themes of courage, strength, and faithful service [[2 Samuel 23:20]].
* **A Frontier Landmark:** Its position as one of the **uttermost** `{{H7097}}` **cities** `{{H5892}}` of Judah marks it as a key landmark defining the southern boundary of the promised inheritance, a place on the frontier next to **Edom** `{{H123}}` [[Joshua 15:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6909}}` is not merely a geographical footnote but a place with distinct character. Defined by its name, "God has gathered," its strategic location on Judah's southern border, and its identity as the hometown of the mighty warrior Benaiah, Kabzeel represents the intersection of divine promise and human faithfulness in establishing and defending the borders of the nation.
TRV