צוֹבָא (tso.va)
tso.va
Zobah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun tsova refers to Zobah, an ancient Aramean kingdom situated northeast of Damascus. In the historical narratives of the Old Testament, it appears as a distinct political entity that frequently clashed with Israel during the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. The name itself is traditionally interpreted to mean "station" or "host," reflecting its status as a significant regional power.
Lexical sources highlight Zobah’s military strength, describing it as a kingdom capable of fielding large armies. It is most prominently mentioned in accounts of King David’s campaigns, where he defeated the forces of Hadadezer, king of Zobah (2 Samuel 8:3-4; 1 Chronicles 18:3). These passages portray the region not merely as a geographic location, but as a formidable rival that posed a serious threat to Israel’s security before being subdued by David’s armies.
With twelve occurrences in Scripture, the word anchors the geopolitical landscape of the early monarchy. Its presence in the text underscores the complex network of neighboring states that Israel had to navigate and often conquer to establish its territorial boundaries. The references serve as historical markers for the expansion of David’s influence into northern Syria.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zobah appears in the Old Testament as a powerful Aramean kingdom northeast of Damascus. It was a significant political rival to Israel during the early monarchy, often clashing with Saul and later David. These historical accounts show that God’s people did not live in isolation but navigated complex relationships with neighboring powers.
For your faith, these references remind us that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel. When David defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah, it demonstrated God’s protection and provision for His chosen leader. You can trust that God holds history in His hands, guiding events to fulfill His purposes.
Even when challenges seem overwhelming, like the military threats against ancient Israel, God remains faithful. His strength surpasses every human army. Rest in the assurance that He works all things together for good, bringing peace and stability according to His perfect will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zobah10×
- from/ Zobah1×
- and/ from/ Zobah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צוֹבָ֑ה3×
- צוֹבָֽה\׃2×
- צוֹבָ֖ה2×
- צוֹבָה֙1×
- צוֹבָ֤א1×
- צוֹבָ֗א1×
- מִ/צֹּבָ֔ה\ \ס1×
- וּ/מִ/צּוֹבָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 8:3
David also struck Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his dominion at the River.
This verse records David’s decisive victory over Hadadezer, showing God’s empowerment of Israel’s king against a major regional threat.
-
I Kings 11:23
God raised up an adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his lord, Hadadezer king of Zobah.
Here Zobah appears in the context of Solomon’s troubles, illustrating how past conflicts continue to shape future challenges for God’s people.
-
II Samuel 10:6
When the children of Ammon saw that they had become odious to David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth Rehob and the Syrians of Zobah, twenty thousand footmen, and the king of Maacah with one thousand men, and the men of Tob twelve thousand men.
This occurrence highlights Zobah’s military role as an ally of Ammon, demonstrating the complex alliances that tested Israel’s security.