### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qᵉrâb**, represented by `{{H7128}}`, is a term for a **hostile encounter**, often translated as **battle** or **war**. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible. The word specifically denotes a direct confrontation, whether a literal military engagement or a state of internal conflict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7128}}` describes various forms of conflict. It is used for literal military campaigns, such as when David is advised to go to **battle** in person [[2 Samuel 17:11]] or when the children of Ephraim retreat "in the day of **battle**" [[Psalms 78:9]]. The term also applies to eschatological conflict, where God reserves implements for a future "day of **battle** and war" [[Job 38:23]] and fights for His people "in the day of **battle**" [[Zechariah 14:3]]. Metaphorically, it can describe the inner state of a person, where despite smooth words, **war** is in their heart [[Psalms 55:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of biblical warfare and conflict:
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (a battle; generally, war): This word is often used in parallel with `{{H7128}}` to describe the entire scope of warfare, from a single engagement to a prolonged state of war [[Job 38:23]].
* `{{H3925}}` **lâmad** (to teach): This root highlights the element of preparation for conflict, as seen when the LORD "teacheth my hands to **war**" [[Psalms 144:1]].
* `{{H3898}}` **lâcham** (to battle, fight): This verb describes the very act of engaging in combat. The LORD is described as one who will **fight** in the day of battle [[Zechariah 14:3]].
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (something prepared, i.e. any apparatus... or weapon): This term refers to the instruments used in a hostile encounter, such as the "weapons of **war**" mentioned in [[Ecclesiastes 9:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7128}}` is tied to God's sovereignty over conflict.
* **Divine Empowerment:** God is presented as the one who equips his people for conflict. David blesses the Lord who "teacheth my hands to **war**" [[Psalms 144:1]], acknowledging divine instruction as the source of strength.
* **God as the Ultimate Warrior:** The term is used in contexts where God himself is the primary combatant, going forth to fight for his people and secure victory [[Zechariah 14:3]].
* **Internal and External Conflict:** Scripture uses `{{H7128}}` to show that conflict is not merely external. It can reside within the human heart, contrasting outward peace with inward **war** [[Psalms 55:21]].
* **Deliverance from Conflict:** The psalmist celebrates God's power to deliver his soul "from the **battle** that was against me" [[Psalms 55:18]], framing salvation as a rescue from overwhelming hostility.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7128}}` defines the reality of a **hostile encounter**, from the literal clash of armies to the figurative war within a person's heart. It is a key term in understanding the biblical perspective on conflict, highlighting both human frailty in the face of battle [[Psalms 78:9]] and God's ultimate power to teach, fight, and deliver [[Psalms 144:1]]. The word encapsulates the tension between human struggle and divine sovereignty in all forms of war.
TRV