### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Rabbâh**, represented by `{{H7237}}`, primarily means **great** and is used as the name for two places in Palestine. It appears **15 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. While its base definition is "great," it is almost exclusively used to identify these specific locations, most notably the capital city of the Ammonites.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7237}}` is most prominent as Rabbah of the Ammonites, a major fortified city. It is the site of a lengthy military campaign led by **Joab** under King **David**, which involved a siege and the eventual capture of the "royal **city**" [[2 Samuel 12:26]] and the "city of **waters**" [[2 Samuel 12:27]]. The conquest was completed when **David** himself went to **Rabbah** and fought against it [[2 Samuel 12:29]]. The city was also known for holding the massive **iron** bedstead of **Og**, king of **Bashan**, a remnant of the **giants** [[Deuteronomy 3:11]]. Later, prophets like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Amos pronounced judgment upon **Rabbah**, foretelling its destruction and desolation, predicting it would become a "desolate **heap**" [[Jeremiah 49:2]] and a "**stable** for **camels**" [[Ezekiel 25:5]]. A second, less prominent **Rabbah** is mentioned as a **city** within the tribal territory of **Judah** [[Joshua 15:60]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to understand the context surrounding Rabbah:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word defines Rabbah's status as a major urban and political center. It is specifically called the "royal **city**," indicating its importance as a capital [[2 Samuel 12:26]].
* `{{H6696}}` **tsûwr** (besiege): This term is central to Rabbah's story, as the Israelite army, led by **Joab**, laid **siege** to the fortified city during the war against the Ammonites ([[2 Samuel 11:1]], [[1 Chronicles 20:1]]).
* `{{H2040}}` **hâraç** (destroy): This word describes the ultimate outcome of the military campaign against Rabbah. After a prolonged fight, **Joab** smote the city and **destroyed** it [[1 Chronicles 20:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7237}}` is primarily historical and prophetic, highlighting several key themes.
* **Symbol of Gentile Power:** As the capital of the Ammonites, Rabbah represented a formidable, non-Israelite power. This is underscored by the note that it housed the bedstead of **Og**, a king of the **giants**, symbolizing ancient and imposing strength [[Deuteronomy 3:11]].
* **Target of Divine Judgment:** The city is a focal point of prophecies declaring God's sovereignty over all nations. The LORD pronounced that He would kindle a **fire** in the **wall** of **Rabbah** [[Amos 1:14]] and cause an alarm of **war** to be heard against it [[Jeremiah 49:2]], demonstrating that no earthly stronghold is exempt from divine judgment.
* **Arena of Israelite History:** The conquest of **Rabbah** was a defining event in **David's** reign. The campaign, which saw Israel **destroy** the children of **Ammon**, solidified the nation's military dominance in the region ([[2 Samuel 11:1]], [[1 Chronicles 20:1]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7237}}` **Rabbâh** is far more than a geographical name; it is a significant landmark in the biblical account of Israel's conflicts and God's relationship with the nations. As the "great" city of the Ammonites, it functions as a symbol of gentile strength that is ultimately subjected to both Israelite conquest and divine judgment. Its story illustrates the biblical theme that God's authority extends over all kingdoms, raising up and throwing down cities according to His sovereign plan.
TRV