רְחֹב
Rechob, the name of a place in Syria, also of a Syrian and an Israelite
Definition
Rechob (רְחֹב) is a proper noun referring primarily to a significant city or region in ancient Syria, often called 'Beth-Rehob' (House of Rehob). It appears as a landmark in the northern border of the Promised Land during the Israelite spies' reconnaissance (Numbers 13:21). Later, it is listed among the unconquered territories allotted to the tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:28, 30) and as a Levitical city (Joshua 21:31). The name also refers to a Syrian king or kingdom that formed alliances, notably against King David (2 Samuel 8:3, 12; 10:8). Additionally, 'Rechob' is the name of an Israelite, the father of Hadadezer, a king of Zobah (2 Samuel 8:3, 12).
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively as a proper noun in the Old Testament, appearing in historical and geographical contexts. It is found in the books of Numbers, Joshua, Judges, and 2 Samuel. In Numbers and Joshua, it denotes a place in the northern reaches of Canaan, often associated with the unconquered lands of Asher (Judges 1:31). In 2 Samuel, it refers to a Syrian political entity—either a king or a city-state—that was a military adversary and source of plunder for David. The usage consistently points to a location or polity in Aram (Syria).
Etymology
The name רְחֹב (Rechob) is identical to the common noun רְחֹב (H7339), meaning 'broad open place' or 'plaza.' It derives from the root רחב (rāḥaḇ), meaning 'to be wide' or 'spacious.' Thus, the place name likely signifies 'broad place' or 'wide area,' possibly describing its physical setting or its role as an open market or gathering place. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages with similar meanings of width or openness.
Semantic Range
Rechob serves as a tangible reminder of Israel's incomplete obedience in conquering the Promised Land, as it remained an unconquered territory allotted to Asher (Judges 1:31). Its mention in the context of David's victories (2 Samuel 8, 10) highlights God's fulfillment of the covenant promise to subdue Israel's enemies and extend the kingdom's borders. The name's etymology ('broad place') can subtly echo themes of God's provision of land and space for His people, as seen in promises of enlargement (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:20).
In the ancient Near East, place names often described geographical features or functions. Rechob, meaning 'broad place,' likely referred to a strategic town or region known for its open area, possibly a market or caravan stop. As a Syrian city-state, it was part of the complex political landscape of Aram, frequently in conflict with the emerging Israelite monarchy under David. Its persistent mention from the Exodus to the monarchy shows it was a well-known landmark in the Levant.
אֲרָם (ʾĂrām, H758) — The broader region/nation of Aram (Syria) to which Rechob belonged. צוֹבָה (Ṣôḇâ, H6678) — Another Aramean kingdom (Zobah) closely associated with Rechob in political alliances (2 Samuel 10:6, 8).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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