Lexical Summary Nodab: Nodab Original Word: נוֹדָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nodab From nadab; noble; Nodab, an Arab tribe -- Nodab. see HEBREW nadab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nadab Definition an Arab tribe NASB Translation Nodab (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נוֺדָ֑ב proper name, of a people Arab tribe according to 1 Chronicles 5:19 (+ יְטוּר, נָפִישׁ q. v. Genesis 25:15; 1 Chronicles 1:31); ᵐ5 Ναδαβαιων. (Connection with above √ quite uncertain.) Topical Lexicon Identity and Meaning Nodab is the name of an Arabian tribal group mentioned only once in the Old Testament (1 Chronicles 5:19). The context presents Nodab as an ally of the Hagrites, standing in opposition to the Trans-Jordanian tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The name itself suggests voluntary or willing action, hinting that the clan may have prided itself on self-determination or independence. Historical Setting The encounter recorded in 1 Chronicles 5 is situated “in the days of Saul” (1 Chronicles 5:10). This places the conflict early in the monarchy, while Israel was consolidating territory on both sides of the Jordan. The Chronicler recounts the event to demonstrate the military strength of the eastern tribes and, more importantly, the covenant faithfulness of God when His people rely on Him in warfare. Geographical Context Nodab is grouped with Jetur and Naphish—names that appear among the sons of Ishmael (Genesis 25:15). These tribes roamed the northern Arabian and Syrian deserts bordering Gilead and Bashan. Their pasturelands overlapped caravan routes, making skirmishes with Israel’s pastoral tribes inevitable. Control of water sources, grazing grounds, and trade lanes was at stake. The Biblical Narrative “During the battle they cried out to God, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him” (1 Chronicles 5:20). This single sentence forms the theological heart of the passage. Though Nodab and its allies apparently possessed superior numbers or strategic position, the Reubenites and Gadites prevailed because they sought the Lord. The victory is explicitly attributed to divine intervention: “the battle belonged to God” (1 Chronicles 5:22). The narrative underscores two key truths: 1. God answers when His people trust Him. Spiritual Lessons and Ministry Applications 1. Dependence on Prayer: Nodab’s defeat illustrates the futility of human alliances against a praying people. Modern believers are reminded that spiritual battles are won “not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). Related Themes and Cross-References • Warfare and Prayer: Exodus 17:11-13; 1 Samuel 7:8-12. Nodab, though mentioned only briefly, serves as a tangible witness to the Lord’s power to deliver and to the consistent pattern of Scripture: those who call upon the name of the Lord are saved, while those who oppose His purposes ultimately fall. Forms and Transliterations וְנוֹדָֽב׃ ונודב׃ venoDav wə·nō·w·ḏāḇ wənōwḏāḇLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 5:19 HEB: וִיט֥וּר וְנָפִ֖ישׁ וְנוֹדָֽב׃ NAS: Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. KJV: with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. INT: Jetur Naphish and Nodab 1 Occurrence |
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