or רְחוֹב; the same as רְחֹב; Rechob, the name of a place in Syria, also of a Syrian and an Israelite; Rehob.
Transliteration:Rᵉchôb
Pronunciation:rekh-obe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7340}}` (Rᵉchôb) functions primarily as a proper noun in the biblical text, designating both geographical locations and individuals. Its core meaning is intimately linked to the common noun `{{H7339}}` (rᵉḥōḇ), which signifies a "broad place," "street," or "public square." This connection is explicitly stated in the Strong's definition, indicating that `{{H7340}}` derives its sense from the concept of "broadness" or "spaciousness." Etymologically, both `{{H7340}}` and `{{H7339}}` stem from the verbal root `{{H7337}}` (rāḥaḇ), "to be broad, wide, spacious." Thus, the name "Rehob" inherently conveys the idea of an expansive area or, when applied to a person, perhaps one associated with such a place or possessing a quality of breadth or openness. Its semantic range is therefore limited to proper identification, but with an underlying etymological resonance of "wide" or "spacious."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H7340}}` appears in various contexts, referring to two distinct places and two different individuals:
1. **A Region/City in Northern Syria/Near Hamath:** This is the most frequently mentioned "Rehob."
* It is identified as the northernmost point reached by the Israelite spies in [[Numbers 13:21]], marking a boundary of the promised land "as far as Rehob, at Lebo-hamath."
* In [[Judges 18:28]], it is described as the location of the city of Laish (later Dan), indicating its proximity to Sidon and its remote position from the main Israelite settlements. The inhabitants of Laish are noted as living securely, "far from Sidon and having no dealings with anyone."
* During David's reign, "Rehob" appears as a Syrian kingdom, specifically "Aram-Rehob" or the "Syrians of Rehob." They are mentioned as allies of the Ammonites against David in [[2 Samuel 10:6]] and [[2 Samuel 10:8]], alongside Zobah, Maacah, and Tob. This highlights Rehob's role as a significant geopolitical entity in the northern Levant during the Israelite monarchy.
2. **A Levitical City in the Territory of Asher:**
* [[Joshua 19:28]] lists Rehob as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Asher.
* Subsequently, [[Joshua 21:31]] and [[1 Chronicles 6:75]] identify Rehob as a city given to the Gershonite Levites within Asher's territory. This indicates a separate, distinct location from the northern Syrian Rehob, integrated into the Israelite tribal land distribution.
3. **A Personal Name - Father of Hadadezer:**
* In [[2 Samuel 8:3]] and [[2 Samuel 8:12]], Rehob is identified as the father of Hadadezer, king of Zobah. This individual is clearly a Syrian, given his son's kingship over a prominent Aramean kingdom. This occurrence places "Rehob" within the lineage of Israel's adversaries.
4. **A Personal Name - An Israelite Levite:**
* [[Nehemiah 10:11]] lists "Rehob" among the Levites who sealed the covenant alongside Nehemiah and Ezra. This individual is an Israelite, participating in the post-exilic restoration. This demonstrates the name's usage within the Israelite community, distinct from its Syrian associations.
The varied contexts demonstrate that while the name "Rehob" carries an underlying meaning of "broadness," its specific significance is determined by its referent—whether a strategic borderland, an Israelite city, a foreign king's father, or a faithful Levite.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H7340}}` is the common noun `{{H7339}}` (rᵉḥōḇ), which means "broad place," "street," or "public square." This foundational term describes the physical spaces that define urban life and communal gathering. Both `{{H7340}}` and `{{H7339}}` are derived from the verbal root `{{H7337}}` (rāḥaḇ), "to be broad, wide, or spacious." This root is used to describe the widening of territory, the expansion of one's heart, or a general sense of abundance and freedom.
Concepts related to `{{H7340}}` thus include:
* **Expansion and Boundaries:** As a geographical marker, Rehob often denotes the limits of territory, particularly the promised land or the extent of a kingdom.
* **Space and Freedom:** The underlying meaning of "broadness" can subtly evoke themes of spaciousness, liberation, and the absence of constraint, often associated with divine blessing (e.g., [[Psalm 18:19]], "He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.").
* **Geopolitics:** The interactions involving the Syrian Rehob highlight the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East and Israel's place within it.
* **Naming Conventions:** The use of a name like "Rehob" for both places and people, across different cultures (Syrian and Israelite), reflects common ancient naming practices where names often carried descriptive or aspirational meanings.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H7340}}` itself is a proper noun, its etymological root in "broadness" carries subtle theological implications within the biblical narrative.
1. **Divine Promise and Provision:** The mention of Rehob as a border of the promised land in [[Numbers 13:21]] subtly connects to God's covenantal promise of a vast and spacious inheritance for Israel. The concept of "broad places" in Scripture often symbolizes divine blessing, security, and freedom from oppression, as seen in passages like [[Psalm 31:8]], "You have set my feet in a broad place." God leads His people into such spaciousness, implying His generous provision and protective care.
2. **Sovereignty Over Nations:** The presence of Aram-Rehob as a significant Syrian kingdom, interacting with Israel (e.g., [[2 Samuel 10:6]]), underscores the biblical theme of God's universal sovereignty. Even foreign nations and their rulers, bearing names that might signify "broadness" or power, ultimately operate within the scope of God's overarching plan for His people and the world. Israel's victories against such kingdoms demonstrate God's might and faithfulness to His covenant.
3. **The Significance of Place:** The dual identification of Rehob as both a distant Syrian border and an Israelite Levitical city (e.g., [[Joshua 21:31]]) highlights the biblical emphasis on geographical space as integral to God's redemptive history. The land is not merely territory but a stage for divine-human interaction, covenant fulfillment, and the establishment of God's kingdom. Even the naming of a Levitical city as "Rehob" suggests a place of divine order and presence within the "broad" land given by God.
4. **Meaning in Names:** The use of "Rehob" as a personal name for both a Syrian and an Israelite reflects the ancient understanding that names often conveyed meaning or hope. While the specific theological import for the individuals is not explicitly stated, the underlying concept of "broadness" could subtly hint at a person's sphere of influence, character, or destiny within the divine scheme.
### Summary
`{{H7340}}` (Rᵉchôb) is a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, primarily designating a place and, secondarily, individuals. Its core meaning is derived from the concept of "broadness" or "spaciousness," linked to the common noun `{{H7339}}` ("broad place," "street") and the verbal root `{{H7337}}` ("to be broad"). Biblically, it refers to a significant region/city in northern Syria, often marking the northern border of the promised land and a geopolitical entity interacting with Israel. It also identifies a distinct Levitical city within the tribe of Asher. As a personal name, it designates the father of the Syrian King Hadadezer and an Israelite Levite in the post-exilic period. Theologically, while a proper noun, its etymological resonance with "broadness" subtly connects to themes of divine promise and provision of spacious land, God's sovereignty over all nations, and the inherent significance of place and name within the biblical narrative of redemption.
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