Lexical Summary Tseboim: Tseboim, Zeboim Original Word: צְבֹעִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zeboim Plural of tsabuwa'; hyenas; Tseboim, a place in Palestine -- Zeboim. see HEBREW tsabuwa' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as Tsibon Definition a place probably at S. end of the Dead Sea NASB Translation Zeboim (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs צְבֹעִים proper name, of a location in Benjamin; — ׳גֵּי הצ (perhaps valley of hyenas, so Thes, compare LagBN 36 Grayl.c.); — 1 Samuel 13:18 (according to BuhlGeogr. 98 = Wady el-Kelt, between Jerusalem and Jericho), Σαμειν, ᵐ5L Σαβαιν; compare ׳צ Nehemiah 11:34, A Σεβοειμ, ᵐ5L Σεβωεί. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting and Identification Zeboim is associated with the rugged eastern hills of Benjamin, immediately west of the wilderness that descends to the Jordan Valley. The “valley of Zeboim” of 1 Samuel 13:18 is best understood as the wadi running southeast from Michmash toward the Arabah, a natural route for raids from the coastal plain into Benjamin’s heartland. The post-exilic settlement named in Nehemiah 11:34 was almost certainly located in, or near, the same ravine, reflecting continuity of occupation after Judah’s return from Babylon. Biblical Occurrences • 1 Samuel 13:18: “Another raiding party turned toward the border overlooking the Valley of Zeboim, facing the wilderness.” Historical Background 1 Samuel describes Philistine incursions during Saul’s early reign. Their three raiding columns (1 Samuel 13:17-18) converged on key passes; the valley of Zeboim offered direct access to Israelite villages east of Michmash. This tactical detail highlights Benjamin’s vulnerability and Saul’s challenge as he sought to rally an ill-equipped militia. Centuries later, after the exile, Zeboim re-enters the narrative when Benjaminite families resettled their ancestral lands (Nehemiah 11). The re-establishment of small towns such as Zeboim was essential for securing Jerusalem’s hinterland and sustaining Temple worship, showing the cooperative spirit between provincial communities and the capital. Theological and Ministry Insights 1. Divine Sovereignty amid Threat. The Philistine maneuver through Zeboim underscores the Lord’s control over geopolitical events. Even when enemy forces occupied Israel’s terrain, God was advancing His redemptive purposes through Saul, Jonathan, and ultimately David. Practical Application for Believers • Guard strategic “valleys” in life—areas that seem peripheral yet provide access to the heart. Links with Broader Biblical Narrative The name Zeboim also appears (with a different Hebrew form) among the doomed Cities of the Plain (Genesis 10:19; Genesis 14:2). The contrast is striking: one Zeboim was destroyed under judgment, while another was restored under mercy. Scripture thus presents a sober warning and a gracious hope in two places sharing a common name yet experiencing opposite destinies. Forms and Transliterations הַצְּבֹעִ֖ים הצבעים צְבֹעִ֖ים צבעים haṣ·ṣə·ḇō·‘îm haṣṣəḇō‘îm hatztzevoIm ṣə·ḇō·‘îm ṣəḇō‘îm tzevoImLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 13:18 HEB: עַל־ גֵּ֥י הַצְּבֹעִ֖ים הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃ ס NAS: the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. KJV: to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. INT: and the valley of Zeboim the wilderness Nehemiah 11:34 2 Occurrences |
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