Lexical Summary qobah: Helmet Original Word: קֹבָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance belly From qabab; the abdomen (as a cavity) -- belly. see HEBREW qabab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as qebah, q.v. Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting The word appears once in Scripture, describing the “inner room” or secluded compartment of an Israelite man’s tent during the Baal-peor crisis (Numbers 25:8). Into this private space Zimri brought the Midianite woman Cozbi for an act of public defiance against Yahweh’s covenant. Phinehas pursued them “into the inner room of the tent” and executed judgment, an act that halted the plague and secured divine commendation (Numbers 25:11-13). Historical Background Numbers 25 records Israel’s encampment at Shittim near the Jordan. Seduced by Moabite and Midianite women, many men participated in idolatrous rites to Baal-peor, provoking the Lord’s wrath. The setting of קֹבָה underscores how sin that seems private can foster national catastrophe. The inner chamber—normally reserved for familial intimacy—became the stage for brazen immorality at the very edge of the Promised Land. Symbolism of the Inner Room 1. Secrecy Revealed: In Scripture, hidden chambers often symbolize the heart’s concealed motives (Ezekiel 8:12; Matthew 6:6). Here the supposedly secret act was exposed, affirming Hebrews 4:13: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight”. Theological Themes • Zeal for Holiness: Phinehas’ action exemplifies godly zeal that refuses to tolerate covenant violation (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17). Ministry Applications • Guard the Private Sphere: Spiritual leaders must encourage integrity in the unseen areas of life, recognizing that secret sin endangers families and congregations. Christological and New Testament Reflections The inner room scene invites comparison with Christ entering the depths of human sin to bring redemption. As Phinehas turned wrath away with a spear, Jesus absorbed wrath through the cross, “having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). The episode thus anticipates the gospel pattern: hidden sin confronted, righteous judgment executed, and plague averted by priestly mediation. Related Concepts and Passages for Study • Holiness within the camp – Deuteronomy 23:14 Summary קֹבָה highlights how a private chamber can become pivotal in redemptive history. The lone occurrence presses home enduring lessons: sin’s secrecy is an illusion, holiness must be protected, and atonement is God’s gracious provision for His covenant people. Forms and Transliterations קֳבָתָ֑הּ קבתה koaTah qo·ḇā·ṯāh qoḇāṯāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 25:8 HEB: הָאִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־ קֳבָתָ֑הּ וַתֵּֽעָצַר֙ הַמַּגֵּפָ֔ה KJV: through her belly. So the plague INT: and the woman through her belly was checked the plague 1 Occurrence |
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