The Hebrew word Qôwaʻ, represented by H6970, is the name for Koa, a region associated with Babylon. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The name is believed to be derived from a root that means "cutting off" or "curtailment," though it is used in scripture simply as a proper name.
In its sole biblical appearance, H6970 is mentioned in a prophecy as part of a coalition of peoples allied with the Babylonian empire. Ezekiel lists the formidable force that will come as judgment, stating, "The Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them" Ezekiel 23:23. This group is described as an impressive and powerful military assembly, composed of "desirable young men, captains and rulers, great lords and renowned, all of them riding upon horses" Ezekiel 23:23.
Several other names listed in the same verse provide context for Koa's association with the Babylonian powers:
- H6489 Pᵉqôwd (Pekod): Defined as "punishment," Pekod is a symbolic name for Babylon. Its inclusion alongside Koa frames the advancing army as an instrument of divine judgment Jeremiah 50:21.
- H7772 Shôwaʻ (Shoa): Meaning "rich," this name refers to an Oriental people. Their presence in the list underscores the wealth and power of the confederation that included Koa Ezekiel 23:23.
- H894 Bâbel (Babylon): Meaning "confusion," this refers to the great Babylonian empire. Koa is identified as part of the forces aligned with the Babylonians, placing it squarely within the sphere of this dominant ancient power Ezekiel 23:23.
- H3778 Kasdîy (Chaldeans): The Chaldeans were the inhabitants of Chaldea and core to the Babylonian empire. Koa's inclusion with them further solidifies its identity as part of this specific political and military entity Ezekiel 23:23.
The theological weight of H6970 is derived entirely from its context within the prophecy of Ezekiel 23.
- Instrument of Judgment: Koa is not significant in itself, but as a component of the vast army God raises up to punish Jerusalem for its spiritual unfaithfulness. The text lists these nations as the former "lovers" who now come to execute judgment Ezekiel 23:23.
- Embodiment of Worldly Power: The roll call of nations—including Babylonians, Chaldeans, Assyrians, and peoples like Koa—serves to illustrate the overwhelming worldly power assembled against God's people as a consequence of their sin.
- Consequence of Faithless Alliances: The specific mention of Koa contributes to a list that symbolizes the foreign entanglements and idolatrous allegiances that led Israel to abandon God, resulting in these same allies becoming their destroyers.
In summary, H6970 is the proper name of Koa, a region or people associated with the Babylonian empire. Its significance is not as a standalone term but as part of a detailed prophetic list in Ezekiel 23:23. Its inclusion serves to highlight the scope of the international coalition God would use to execute judgment on Jerusalem, demonstrating that even lesser-known groups played a role in the fulfillment of divine prophecy.
TRV