### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sôwbek**, represented by `{{H7730}}`, is a highly specific term for a **thicket** or **interlaced branches**. Its definition is further clarified as **thick boughs**. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical text, making its single usage particularly significant to the narrative in which it is found.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7730}}` is in the account of Absalom's death. As Absalom fled on a mule, he "went under the **thick boughs** of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak" [[2 Samuel 18:9]]. In this context, the word is not merely descriptive of the scenery but is the central element that facilitates the turning point of the battle. The **sôwbek** is the physical agent that ensnares David's rebellious son, leaving him suspended between heaven and earth and leading directly to his demise.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words within its only context help to frame its meaning:
* `{{H424}}` **ʼêlâh** (an oak or other strong tree): The "thick boughs" belonged to a great **oak**, a tree often associated with significant places or events in the Old Testament, such as places of idol worship [[Ezekiel 6:13]] or where an angel of the Lord appeared [[Judges 6:11]].
* `{{H6505}}` **pered** (a mule): Absalom was riding a **mule** when he was caught [[2 Samuel 18:9]]. Mules are often mentioned as mounts for royalty and important figures, such as the king's sons [[2 Samuel 13:29]], or as animals used to bring presents and offerings [[1 Kings 10:25]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H7730}}` is demonstrated in its specific role within the story of Absalom.
* **Instrument of Fate:** The **thick boughs** serve as the direct instrument that halts Absalom's escape. This natural feature becomes pivotal, acting to trap the rebel and seal his fate as described in the passage [[2 Samuel 18:9]].
* **Symbol of Entanglement:** The definition of "interlaced branches" serves as a powerful metaphor for Absalom's own tangled rebellion against his father, King David. His political and familial entanglement is mirrored by his physical entanglement in the tree.
* **Narrative Device:** The specificity of the word creates a vivid and memorable image. The **sôwbek** is the crucial detail that makes Absalom's downfall possible, highlighting how a seemingly random element of nature plays a key role in the biblical account.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7730}}` is a precise and impactful word whose significance is derived entirely from its single, dramatic appearance. As **sôwbek**, or "thick boughs," it is the lynchpin in the narrative of Absalom's death in [[2 Samuel 18:9]]. While not a broad theological term, it demonstrates how a unique word can be employed to deliver a powerful and unforgettable moment, transforming a simple thicket into the instrument of a prince's downfall.
TRV