Lexical Summary tabbur: Navel, center, middle Original Word: טַבּוּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance middle, midst From an unused root meaning to pile up; properly, accumulated; i.e. (by implication) a summit -- middle, midst. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition highest part, center NASB Translation center (1), highest part (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs טַבּוּר noun [masculine] highest part, centre (according to ᵐ5 ᵑ9 navel, so Late Hebrew id., and טִיבּוּר, Aramaic טִיבּוּרָא, טִיבּוּרְיָא) — הִנֵּה עָם יֹרְדִים מֵעִם טַבּוּר הארץ Judges 9:37 behold people descending from the highest part of the land; ישְׁבֵי עַלטַֿבּוּר הארץ Ezekiel 38:12 those dwelling upon the navel of the earth, i.e. upon the mountainous country of Israel, central and prominent in the earth. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences and Context Judges 9:37 places Gaal on the lookout outside Shechem: “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the direction of the Diviners’ Oak” (Judges 9:37). The phrase identifies a strategic high point west of Shechem from which Abimelech’s troops descend. Ezekiel 38:12 speaks of Gog’s invasion “against the resettled ruins and a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired cattle and goods and live at the center of the land” (Ezekiel 38:12). Here the term delineates Israel as the focal point of Gog’s aggression in the latter days. Geographical Significance The word conveys the idea of a hub—an elevated midpoint or “navel” that commands its surroundings. In Judges, the hill overlooking Shechem offered tactical advantage during Abimelech’s campaign. In Ezekiel, the same imagery underscores Israel’s location at the intersection of continents and trade routes. The prophetic placement of Israel as the earth’s “center” anticipates Zechariah 2:8, where the nation is called the “apple of His eye,” reinforcing the Lord’s protective concern for the land He chose (Deuteronomy 32:10; Ezekiel 5:5). Historical-Theological Emphasis Shechem’s history as a covenant site—Abraham’s altar (Genesis 12:6-7), Joshua’s renewal of the covenant (Joshua 24:1-25)—intensifies the irony that Abimelech, a son of Gideon, exploits that sacred geography for violent ambition. The “center of the land” meant to witness covenant faithfulness becomes a stage for apostasy, fulfilling Judges 9:56-57 where God repays Abimelech’s wickedness. Ezekiel’s oracle reverses that tragedy: the same “center” will ultimately witness God’s deliverance from Gog, vindicating His holiness before the nations (Ezekiel 38:23). Prophetic Implications Ezekiel 38–39 projects a future assault on a regathered Israel living securely in the land. The imagery of the “center” implies more than geography; it points to divine purpose. God’s redemptive program radiates outward from Israel, culminating in the Messiah’s first advent (Micah 5:2) and anticipating His return (Acts 1:11). The assault of Gog illustrates the perennial hostility of the nations toward the covenant people, yet it ends with God’s decisive intervention, showcasing His sovereignty and faithfulness. Christological and Ecclesial Insights Just as Israel occupies the prophetic “center” of the earth, Jesus Christ stands at the center of salvation history (Colossians 1:17-18). The Church, “grafted in” among the people of God (Romans 11:17-24), is called to keep the gospel central (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The Old Testament use of this term invites believers to recentre their worldview around God’s purposes—geographically expressed in Zion, historically realized in Christ, and spiritually applied in the life of the redeemed (Hebrews 12:22-24). Pastoral Application 1. Strategic Vision: Leaders who occupy positions of influence—modern “high points”—must steward them for covenant faithfulness, avoiding the self-serving example of Abimelech. Related Biblical Motifs • Zion as the place from which the law and word of the Lord go forth (Isaiah 2:3). Summary The Hebrew term underscores centrality—geographic, redemptive, and personal. Whether describing a tactical hill near Shechem or the end-time focus of global conflict, Scripture consistently reveals God’s intent to place His people and His purpose at the very heart of history, calling the faithful to align every aspect of life with that center. Forms and Transliterations טַבּ֣וּר טַבּ֥וּר טבור ṭab·būr tabBur ṭabbūrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 9:37 HEB: יֽוֹרְדִ֔ים מֵעִ֖ם טַבּ֣וּר הָאָ֑רֶץ וְרֹאשׁ־ NAS: are coming down from the highest part of the land, KJV: down by the middle of the land, INT: are coming from the highest of the land company Ezekiel 38:12 2 Occurrences |
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