### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Rᵉchôb**, represented by `{{H7340}}`, is a proper name used for a place in Syria, a Syrian individual, and an Israelite. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. While its base definition is simply a name, its usage in scripture connects it to significant events in Israel's history, from the initial spying of the promised land to the wars of King David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7340}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is the name of the father of **Hadadezer** `{{H1909}}`, the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Zobah** `{{H6678}}` whom **David** `{{H1732}}` defeated ([[2 Samuel 8:3]], [[2 Samuel 8:12]]). It also appears as the name of an Israelite alongside **Micha** `{{H4316}}` and **Hashabiah** `{{H2811}}` [[Nehemiah 10:11]]. Geographically, **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` marks the northern limit of the **land** `{{H776}}` explored by the spies sent by Moses [[Numbers 13:21]]. It is also identified as a **city** `{{H5892}}` within the tribal territory of **Asher** `{{H836}}`, which the Israelites failed to conquer initially [[Judges 1:31]], but was later designated as a Levitical city [[Joshua 21:31]]. The Syrians of **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` were also among those who fought against David's army [[2 Samuel 10:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` appears:
* `{{H1909}}` **Hădadʻezer** (Hadadezer): Defined as "Hadad (is his) help; Hadadezer, a Syrian king," he was the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` and an adversary of **David** `{{H1732}}` [[2 Samuel 8:3]].
* `{{H836}}` **ʼÂshêr** (Asher): This son of Jacob and the tribe descended from him was allotted the territory that included the city of **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` [[Joshua 19:28]]. However, **Asher** `{{H836}}` did not initially **drive out** `{{H3423}}` its **inhabitants** `{{H3427}}` [[Judges 1:31]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): This term, meaning an open area around a building, is used to describe the land accompanying Levitical cities. **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` is listed as one of these cities "with her **suburbs**" `{{H4054}}` [[Joshua 21:31]].
* `{{H6678}}` **Tsôwbâʼ** (Zobah): A region in Syria, its **king** `{{H4428}}` was **Hadadezer** `{{H1909}}`, the son of **Rehob** `{{H7340}}`. The Syrians of **Zobah** `{{H6678}}` and **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` later arrayed for **battle** `{{H4421}}` against Israel [[2 Samuel 10:8]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7340}}` is woven into the geography and conflicts of Israel.
* **Geographic and Covenantal Landmark:** **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` serves as a critical boundary marker for the promised **land** `{{H776}}` [[Numbers 13:21]]. It is also included in the tribal inheritance of **Asher** `{{H836}}` [[Joshua 19:28]] and later designated as a Levitical **city** `{{H5892}}` with **suburbs** `{{H4054}}`, giving it a sacred role in Israel's settlement [[Joshua 21:31]].
* **Symbol of Conflict and Conquest:** The name is associated with Israel's military struggles. The city of **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` was a place **Asher** `{{H836}}` initially failed to conquer [[Judges 1:31]]. The Syrian **king** `{{H4428}}` **Hadadezer** `{{H1909}}`, **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Rehob** `{{H7340}}`, was a formidable enemy defeated by **David** `{{H1732}}` [[2 Samuel 8:3]]. The Syrians of **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` were hired as mercenaries by the Ammonites to fight Israel [[2 Samuel 10:8]].
* **Personal Identity:** Beyond places and foreign adversaries, the name **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` is also held by an Israelite, listed among those with **Micha** `{{H4316}}` and **Hashabiah** `{{H2811}}` in a community record [[Nehemiah 10:11]], showing its integration into Israelite identity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7340}}` **Rᵉchôb** is a multifaceted proper name that appears as a person and a place, connecting different eras of biblical history. It functions as a geographical boundary, a site of incomplete conquest, a Levitical city, the origin of a major Syrian adversary to King David, and the name of a faithful Israelite. Through its various appearances, **Rehob** `{{H7340}}` illustrates how a single name can thread through the narratives of exploration, settlement, conflict, and community in the Old Testament.
TRV