Lexical Summary Tsoba or Tsobah: Zobah Original Word: צוֹבָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zoba, Zobah Or Tsowbah {tso-baw'}; or Tsobah {tso-baw'}; from an unused root meaning to station; a station; Zoba or Zobah, a region of Syria -- Zoba, Zobah. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Aramean (Syrian) kingdom NASB Translation Zobah (12). Topical Lexicon Geographical and Historical Setting Zobah was an Aramean kingdom situated north of Israel, extending from the northern Beqaa Valley toward the Euphrates. Its fertile highlands, control of caravan routes, and access to Syrian trade centers made it a strategic power in the tenth and eleventh centuries B.C. Operating as a loose confederation of city-states, Zobah often pressed southward, threatening Israel’s northern frontier and the Trans-Jordan. Biblical Survey of the Twelve Occurrences • 1 Samuel 14:47 records Saul’s early clashes: “Saul fought against all their enemies on every side—against Moab, Ammon, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them.” Key Rulers and Figures • Hadadezer son of Rehob—aggressive monarch whose defeat signaled the zenith of Davidic power. Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty of God over Nations The swift overthrow of Zobah underscores that “the LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing” (Psalm 33:10). Military might, strategic alliances, and geography bow to divine decree. Saul’s partial obedience produced temporary relief; David’s wholehearted reliance produced lasting dominion. The contrast warns leaders that victory flows from covenant fidelity, not merely force of arms. David’s subjugation of Zobah prefigures the Messiah who “will rule from sea to sea and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 72:8). Gentile tribute from Hamath anticipates the nations bringing glory to the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24). Rezon’s rise during Solomon’s later years (1 Kings 11:23-25) reveals the LORD using external adversaries to chastise covenant breach, yet still preserving the Davidic line. Ministry Significance and Practical Applications • Spiritual Warfare: Zobah typifies entrenched strongholds that loom large yet fall when God’s people act in faith. Leaders today should confront cultural and personal “Zobahs” with unwavering confidence in God’s promises. Summary Strong’s Hebrew 6678 marks Zobah as a recurring antagonist whose rise and fall illuminate God’s hand in history, the blessings of covenant loyalty, and the forward-looking hope of universal peace under the perfect King. Forms and Transliterations וּמִצּוֹבָ֔ה ומצובה מִצֹּבָ֔ה מצבה צוֹבָ֑ה צוֹבָ֖ה צוֹבָ֗א צוֹבָ֤א צוֹבָֽה׃ צוֹבָה֙ צובא צובה צובה׃ miṣ·ṣō·ḇāh miṣṣōḇāh mitztzoVah ṣō·w·ḇā ṣō·w·ḇāh ṣōwḇā ṣōwḇāh tzoVa tzoVah ū·miṣ·ṣō·w·ḇāh ūmiṣṣōwḇāh umitztzoVahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 14:47 HEB: וּבֶאֱד֜וֹם וּבְמַלְכֵ֤י צוֹבָה֙ וּבַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים וּבְכֹ֥ל NAS: the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines; KJV: and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: INT: Edom the kings of Zobah and the Philistines all 2 Samuel 8:3 2 Samuel 8:5 2 Samuel 8:12 2 Samuel 10:6 2 Samuel 10:8 2 Samuel 23:36 1 Kings 11:23 1 Chronicles 18:3 1 Chronicles 18:5 1 Chronicles 18:9 1 Chronicles 19:6 12 Occurrences |
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