Lexical Summary qebol: Opposite, corresponding Original Word: קֹבֶל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance war From qabal in the sense of confronting (as standing opposite in order to receive); a battering-ram -- war. see HEBREW qabal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qabal Definition something in front, a military siege engine NASB Translation battering rams (1), before (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [קְבֹל] noun [masculine] 1 >something in front specifically an attacking-engine (compare 2 construct קָֽבָלעָֿם (‡obol) 2 Kings 15:10, explained formerly as before the people, i.e. publicly (compare Biblical Aramaicaic קֳבֵל before); but the Aramaic is surprising and הָעָם needed: read כְּיִבְלְעָם in Ibleam, with ᵐ5 of L (confirming earlier conjectures of GrG ii. 1. 99 StaGi. 575), Dr Klo Benz Kit and others Topical Lexicon Overview קֹבֶל (Strong’s 6904) highlights a face-to-face, public or frontal position. Whenever it appears, the term intensifies the scene by stressing that what is happening is not concealed or peripheral but done openly, directly, and often confrontationally. Scriptural Occurrences 1. 2 Kings 15:10 – “Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah, struck him down and killed him in front of the people, and he reigned in his place.” Historical Context • 2 Kings 15:10 stands at a turbulent point in Israel’s monarchy. Zechariah’s public assassination marks the end of Jehu’s dynasty and underscores the political chaos that paved the way for Assyria’s advance. The word קֹבֶל underlines the brazen nature of Shallum’s deed: every onlooker became a witness, leaving Israel without excuse concerning the bloodshed and covenant violations taking place. Theological Themes Public Accountability: In both texts the frontal aspect suggests that sin and pride are exposed before God and humanity. Murder “in front of the people” and siege machines “against your walls” leave no room for denial. Scripture consistently teaches that “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13). Divine Retribution: קֹבֶל frames events as direct confrontations with justice. Whether the perpetrator is a usurper king or a foreign empire, God’s sovereignty ensures that evil is met head-on. Warning to Proud Powers: Tyre’s downfall foreshadows the eventual collapse of every system that exalts itself “against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5). קֹבֶל visually depicts the collision course of human arrogance with divine authority. Practical Implications for Ministry • Confrontation of Sin: Pastoral exhortation should not shy away from candid, face-to-face appeals when hidden wrongdoing harms the body of Christ. Prophetic and Christological Echoes Zechariah’s open murder anticipates another public execution—Jesus’ crucifixion “outside the city gate” (Hebrews 13:12), also witnessed by the crowd. Yet where Zechariah’s death signaled dynastic collapse, the Messiah’s death secured eternal redemption. Furthermore, Tyre’s humbling foreshadows Revelation’s fall of Babylon, assuring believers that every proud power will stand “opposite” God only to be brought low. Related Concepts • “In the sight of” (נֶגֶד) emphasizes visible accountability. Conclusion Though rare, קֹבֶל powerfully captures the reality that God allows pivotal moments to unfold in full view, holding nations and individuals responsible for their public actions. Its two appearances remind readers that divine justice is neither hidden nor indirect; it confronts pride, violence, and rebellion head-on, urging every generation to walk in openness and humility before the Lord. Forms and Transliterations קָֽבָלְ־ קָֽבָלּ֔וֹ קבלו קבלעם kavalAm kavalLo qā·ḇā·lə·‘ām qā·ḇāl·lōw qāḇālə‘ām qāḇāllōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 15:10 HEB: יָבֵ֔שׁ וַיַּכֵּ֥הוּ קָֽבָלְ־ עָ֖ם וַיְמִיתֵ֑הוּ NAS: him and struck him before the people INT: of Jabesh and struck before the people and killed Ezekiel 26:9 2 Occurrences |
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front; 
, advance to attack, so הקביל Ecclus 12:5),