### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7176}}` (qereth) denotes a "city" or "town." Its etymology is traced to the root `{{H7136}}` (qarah), which typically signifies "to meet," "to happen," or "to encounter." However, in the context of `{{H7176}}`, the base definition specifies a sense of "building." This suggests that `{{H7176}}` refers to a place where people *meet* or *gather* for the purpose of *building* a settled community. Unlike other more common terms for "city" like `{{H5892}}` ('iyr), `{{H7176}}` appears to emphasize the constructed, established nature of the urban center, perhaps highlighting its role as a fixed point of habitation and communal life. It represents a concrete, built environment designed for human dwelling and interaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7176}}` is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only two verses, both within the same narrative in 2 Samuel:
* [[2 Samuel 20:19]]: "I am one of the peaceable and faithful in Israel. You are seeking to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?" Here, the wise woman of Abel of Beth-maacah pleads with Joab, emphasizing the sanctity of her home. The parallelism with "a mother in Israel" is striking. It elevates the "city" (`{{H7176}}`) beyond mere bricks and mortar, personifying it as a nurturing, foundational entity, a source of life and heritage for the community. To destroy such a "qereth" is presented as an act of profound sacrilege, akin to destroying the very fabric of Israelite identity and God's inheritance.
* [[2 Samuel 20:21]]: "Then the man threw the head of Sheba son of Bichri over the wall to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, each to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem." In this verse, `{{H7176}}` simply refers to Abel of Beth-maacah as the physical location from which Joab's forces depart after the rebellion is quelled. The context here is more descriptive, identifying the specific urban center involved in the siege.
In both instances, `{{H7176}}` refers to a specific, named city (Abel of Beth-maacah), underscoring its identity as a recognized, established settlement. The first occurrence, in particular, imbues the word with significant emotional and theological weight, highlighting the value and sacredness of a settled community within Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to `{{H7176}}` is `{{H7136}}` (qarah), which fundamentally means "to meet," "to happen," or "to encounter." While the specific definition of `{{H7176}}` emphasizes "building," the underlying sense of "meeting" or "coming together" could subtly inform the concept of a "city" as a place where people gather and interact to form a community.
Other Hebrew words for "city" or related concepts include:
* `{{H5892}}` ('iyr): This is the most common and general term for "city" or "town," often emphasizing its fortified nature or administrative function.
* `{{H2691}}` (chatsar): Refers to an "enclosure," "settlement," or "village," typically unfortified or smaller than a full "city."
* `{{H4013}}` (migdal): Means "tower" or "fortress," often a prominent feature of a city's defenses.
The concept of a "city" in the biblical world is multifaceted, encompassing ideas of:
* **Community and Habitation:** A place where people live together in organized society.
* **Refuge and Defense:** Often fortified, cities provided safety from enemies.
* **Identity and Heritage:** As seen in [[2 Samuel 20:19]], a city could embody the collective identity and inheritance of a people.
* **Centrality:** Cities often served as centers of commerce, administration, and worship.
### Theological Significance
Though `{{H7176}}` is used sparingly, its appearance in [[2 Samuel 20:19]] offers a profound theological insight into the biblical understanding of a settled community. The phrase "a city and a mother in Israel" elevates the urban center to a sacred status. It is not merely a collection of buildings but a living entity, a source of sustenance, protection, and identity for God's people. To destroy such a `{{H7176}}` is presented as an act of violence against the very "inheritance of the LORD," implying that the well-being and continuity of Israelite communities are under divine care and protection.
This perspective contrasts with other biblical narratives where cities are often depicted as centers of human rebellion (e.g., Babel in [[Genesis 11:1-9]]), idolatry (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah in [[Genesis 18-19]]), or oppression. Here, `{{H7176}}` represents a legitimate, cherished community within God's covenant people. It underscores the value God places on established order, communal life, and the preservation of His people's heritage. The plea to spare the "qereth" highlights the sanctity of life within a divinely sanctioned community and the grave consequences of its destruction.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7176}}` (qereth) denotes a "city" or "town," derived from a root that, in this context, implies "building" or "coming together to build." While rare in its biblical occurrences, appearing only twice in 2 Samuel, its usage carries significant weight. In [[2 Samuel 20:19]], `{{H7176}}` is powerfully personified as "a mother in Israel," transforming it from a mere physical structure into a vital, nurturing entity representing the collective identity and divine inheritance of God's people. This unique portrayal underscores the profound value and sanctity of established communities within Israel, presenting their preservation as a matter of theological importance and divine concern. The term thus contributes to a nuanced biblical understanding of cities, not only as places of human dwelling but as cherished components of God's ongoing work with His covenant people.
TRV