Lexical Summary rabab: To be many, to multiply, to increase Original Word: רָבַב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance shoot A primitive root (rather identical with rabab through the idea of projection); to shoot an arrow -- shoot. see HEBREW rabab Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [רָבַב] verb shoot; — Qal Perfect3plural וָרֹ֑בוּ (Ges§ 67m) Genesis 49:23 absolute (בַּעֲלֵי חִצִּים in "" 1.; Samaritan וַיְרִיבֻהוּ, so perhaps ᵐ5 ἐλοιδόρουν). — רָֹב Psalm 18:15 (חִצָּיו in "" 1.), see I. רַב 1g. Topical Lexicon Root Imagery and Field of Meaning רָבַב moves in the world of archery. The verb evokes the sudden release of a missile, the tension of the drawn bow, and the purposeful flight of an arrow toward its mark. Because arrows strike from a distance and often without warning, the term readily lends itself to depictions of enmity, oppression, and divine intervention. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Genesis 49:23 introduces רָבַב in Jacob’s prophetic blessing over Joseph: “The archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility”. Here the patriarch pictures Joseph’s adversaries as archers whose relentless volleys could not overturn God’s favor. Historical and Cultural Background In the ancient Near East, bowmen were prized military assets. A well-placed archer could disable a commander or break a charge before swords ever clashed. For Jacob’s family, living under Egyptian influence where archery was highly developed, the metaphor would be vivid: unseen arrows symbolized both covert hostility and strategic strength. In Israel’s monarchy, David’s experience as a warrior king confirmed the strategic value of arrow warfare, making the transition from human archers (Genesis) to divine Archer (Psalm) natural and compelling. Theological Themes 1. Human Opposition versus Divine Protection 2. Reversal of Fortunes Joseph was the target before becoming Egypt’s savior; David was the fugitive before ascending the throne. In both narratives, רָבַב marks the moment hostile intention meets divine reversal, foreshadowing the gospel pattern where the Suffering Servant becomes the exalted Lord (Philippians 2:8-11). 3. Divine Initiative and Sovereignty The Psalmist’s depiction of God shooting arrows conveys absolute sovereignty in judgment. As lightning flashes, foes scatter. The same imagery reappears in later prophetic visions (Zechariah 9:14), reinforcing a consistent biblical motif: when the LORD draws the bow, no power can withstand Him. Messianic Foreshadowing Joseph’s experience anticipates the Messiah: despised yet exalted, wounded yet reigning. David’s song speaks not only of personal deliverance but of the greater Son of David whose victory over cosmic evil is final. Revelation 6:2 even presents the conquering Christ with a bow, echoing the Old Testament cadence—He who once received arrows of scorn will one day loose arrows of judgment. Practical Ministry Application • Perseverance under attack: Believers targeted by slander or persecution may recall Joseph—arrows fly, but covenant promises stand. Related Biblical Motifs – Arrows as instruments of divine judgment (Deuteronomy 32:23). – The believer’s defensive weaponry, notably “the shield of faith” that extinguishes flaming arrows (Ephesians 6:16). – The messianic “Sharp Arrow” hidden in the LORD’s quiver (Isaiah 49:2), tying Joseph’s suffering and David’s triumph to the Servant’s mission. Summary רָבַב captures the tension of conflict and the certainty of God’s deliverance. Whether describing arrows hurled at Joseph or arrows unleashed by the LORD on David’s enemies, the verb anchors a theology of providence and victory that culminates in Christ. In life and ministry, it calls the faithful to trust not in their own bows but in the One whose arrows never miss their mark. Forms and Transliterations וָרֹ֑בּוּ ורבו רָ֝ב רב rāḇ rav vaRobbu wā·rōb·bū wārōbbūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 49:23 HEB: וַֽיְמָרֲרֻ֖הוּ וָרֹ֑בּוּ וַֽיִּשְׂטְמֻ֖הוּ בַּעֲלֵ֥י NAS: bitterly attacked him, And shot [at him] and harassed KJV: have sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him: INT: bitterly and shot and harassed archer Psalm 18:14 2 Occurrences |
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