### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Tôʻûw**, represented by `{{H8583}}`, refers to **Toi or Tou, a Syrian king**. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition is **error; Tou or Toi, a Syrian king**, with the name appearing in the biblical text as both "Toi" and "Tou".
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Tôʻûw** `{{H8583}}` is the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Hamath** `{{H2574}}` ([[2 Samuel 8:9]], [[1 Chronicles 18:9]]). Upon hearing that **David** `{{H1732}}` had **smitten** `{{H5221}}` the entire **host** `{{H2428}}` of his adversary, **Hadadezer** `{{H1909}}`, also recorded as **Hadarezer** `{{H1928}}`, **Toi** `{{H8583}}` initiated diplomatic contact. The narrative states that **Hadadezer** `{{H1909}}` had ongoing **wars** `{{H376}}``{{H4421}}` with **Toi** `{{H8583}}`, providing the motive for this friendly gesture [[2 Samuel 8:10]]. **Toi** `{{H8583}}` **sent** `{{H7971}}` his **son** `{{H1121}}`—named **Joram** `{{H3141}}` in one account and **Hadoram** `{{H1913}}` in another—to **salute** `{{H7592}}` David and to **bless** `{{H1288}}` or **congratulate** `{{H1288}}` him for the victory ([[2 Samuel 8:10]], [[1 Chronicles 18:10]]). As a sign of this new alliance, his son brought **vessels** `{{H3627}}` of **silver** `{{H3701}}`, **gold** `{{H2091}}`, and **brass** `{{H5178}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to the story of **Tôʻûw** `{{H8583}}`:
* `{{H1909}}` **Hadadezer** (Hadad is his help): The king of **Zobah** `{{H6678}}` and the primary antagonist in this narrative. His constant conflict with **Toi** `{{H8583}}` and subsequent defeat by David set the stage for Toi's outreach [[2 Samuel 8:10]].
* `{{H1732}}` **David** (loving): The king of Israel whose military success against **Hadadezer** `{{H1909}}` prompted the diplomatic mission from **Toi** `{{H8583}}`. He is the recipient of the tribute and blessing [[1 Chronicles 18:10]].
* `{{H1288}}` **bârak** (to bless): This word describes the action Toi's son performed on his behalf, translated as both to **bless** [[2 Samuel 8:10]] and to **congratulate** [[1 Chronicles 18:10]], signifying a formal recognition of David's victory and status.
### Theological Significance
The brief account of **Tôʻûw** `{{H8583}}` carries significant geopolitical implications in the Old Testament narrative.
* **Recognition of Power:** When **Toi** `{{H8583}}` **heard** `{{H8085}}` that David had **smitten** `{{H5221}}` the **host** `{{H2428}}` of **Hadadezer** `{{H1909}}`, he recognized a major shift in regional power and acted swiftly to secure peace [[2 Samuel 8:9]].
* **Strategic Alliance:** Toi’s decision was strategic, as David had eliminated his primary military threat. He sent his son not only to **enquire** `{{H7592}}` of David’s **welfare** `{{H7965}}` but also to formalize a relationship through tribute, effectively becoming an ally [[1 Chronicles 18:10]].
* **Fruits of Victory:** The story demonstrates the ripple effects of David's victories. His defeat of one enemy brought peaceful tribute from another, expanding his influence and wealth through the acquisition of **vessels** `{{H3627}}` of **gold** `{{H2091}}`, **silver** `{{H3701}}`, and **brass** `{{H5178}}` without further conflict [[2 Samuel 8:10]].
### Summary
In summary, **Tôʻûw** `{{H8583}}` is the name of a Syrian **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Hamath** `{{H2574}}` who plays a minor but illustrative role in the chronicles of King David's reign. His actions highlight the political realities of the ancient Near East, where military victories led to new alliances. **Toi's** `{{H8583}}` story serves as a testament to the scope of David's influence, showing how his defeat of **Hadadezer** `{{H1909}}` brought him honor, tribute, and a peaceful relationship with a neighboring kingdom.
TRV