### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼArgôb**, represented by `{{H709}}`, is a name derived from a root meaning stony. It appears 5 times in 5 unique verses, referring almost exclusively to a district within Palestine. Primarily, it designates a specific, well-defined territory known for its fortified cities and formidable history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Argob is consistently identified as "the region of Argob" `{{H2256}}` located in Bashan `{{H1316}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:4]]. This territory was part of the kingdom of `Og` `{{H5747}}`, a land that was also known as the "land of giants" `{{H7497}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:13]]. Following Israel's conquest, this entire region was taken by `Jair` `{{H2971}}` the `son` `{{H1121}}` of `Manasseh` `{{H4519}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:14]]. It was renowned for its "threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars" [[1 Kings 4:13]]. In a starkly different context, `{{H709}}` appears as the name of a man who, along with `Arieh` `{{H745}}`, was involved in the conspiracy of `Pekah` `{{H6492}}` against the king of Israel in `Samaria` `{{H8111}}` [[2 Kings 15:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the identity and significance of Argob:
* `{{H1316}}` **Bâshân** (Bashan): This is the larger region east of the Jordan where the district of Argob was located. The two names are almost always linked, establishing Argob's geographical setting within the kingdom conquered by Israel [[Deuteronomy 3:13]].
* `{{H2256}}` **chebel** (region, district, or inheritance): This word, used to describe a measured portion of land, is applied to Argob in four of its five appearances. It specifies Argob not as a single city, but as a defined country or territory [[Deuteronomy 3:14]].
* `{{H745}}` **'Aryeh** (lion): This is the name of the man mentioned alongside Argob in the one instance where Argob is used as a personal name. Their association is in the context of a conspiracy and assassination [[2 Kings 15:25]].
### Theological Significance
The story of Argob carries significant thematic weight, shifting from a place of promise to a name of betrayal.
* **Conquest and Inheritance:** Argob represents a key territory taken from `Og` `{{H5747}}`, king of `Bashan` `{{H1316}}`, and given as an inheritance to the half `tribe` `{{H7626}}` of `Manasseh` `{{H4519}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:13]]. Its capture demonstrates God's power to overcome formidable enemies and fulfill His promise to Israel.
* **A Fortified and Mighty Land:** The description of Argob containing "threescore great cities" `{{H5892}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:4]] and being called the "land of giants" `{{H7497}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:13]] emphasizes the magnitude of the victory God secured for His people.
* **A Name of Treachery:** In its unique use as a proper name, `Argob` `{{H709}}` is linked directly to a conspiracy `{{H7194}}` in which Pekah `smote` `{{H5221}}` and `killed` `{{H4191}}` the king of Israel. This associates the name with rebellion and regicide [[2 Kings 15:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H709}}` is primarily the name of a "stony" region in Bashan, a symbol of the strength of the pre-Israelite kingdoms and the greater power of God in granting it to His people as an inheritance. However, its rare use as a personal name ties it to a dark episode of internal strife and betrayal within the kingdom of Israel, showing how a name associated with promised land could also be linked to human faithlessness.
TRV