חֲמַת צוֹבָה (cha.mat tso.vah)
cha.mat tso.vah
Hamath-zobah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase ḥămaṯ ṣōḇâ, translated as Hamath-zobah, literally means "fortress of Zobah." It refers to a specific town or region associated with the Aramean kingdom of Zobah, which was a significant political power during the time of King David. The sources suggest this name may be another designation for Hammath, indicating a close geographical or administrative link between these locations in ancient Syria.
This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 2 Chronicles 8:3. Its singular occurrence highlights its role as a precise historical marker rather than a theological concept. The text uses it to locate Solomon’s travels, noting he went to Hamath-zobah, thereby connecting the Israelite king with the broader geopolitical landscape of the Near East during his reign.
The name itself combines ḥămaṯ, likely meaning "fortress" or "wall," with ṣōḇâ, the proper name of the kingdom. This construction emphasizes the defensive or strategic nature of the site within Zobah’s territory. By identifying this location, the biblical author provides concrete geographical context for Solomon’s interactions with neighboring regions, illustrating the extent of his influence and travel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Hamath-zobah appears in Scripture as a precise historical marker rather than a theological concept. The name combines words meaning "fortress" or "wall" with the proper name of the Aramean kingdom of Zobah. This suggests a strategic location within ancient Syria, significant enough to be noted in the biblical record.
In 2 Chronicles 8:3, we see Solomon traveling to this region and prevailing against it. This single mention connects the Israelite king with the broader geopolitical landscape of his time. It shows that Solomon’s influence extended beyond Israel’s borders into neighboring territories.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God works through real history and specific places. The biblical authors cared enough to record these geographical facts, grounding our spiritual truths in actual events. We can trust that the God who guided Solomon’s steps is also present in the details of our own lives today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to Hamath1×
- Zobah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צוֹבָ֔ה1×
- חֲמָ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 8:3
Solomon went to Hamath Zobah, and prevailed against it.
This verse uniquely records Solomon's military campaign at Hamath-zobah, serving as the only biblical evidence of this specific location and his interaction with the Aramean kingdom.