Dibla'im is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Hosea. The name Dibla'im is associated with the family lineage of the prophet Hosea, as it is the name of his mother. The reference to Dibla'im is brief and occurs in the context of Hosea's prophetic ministry, which is characterized by symbolic actions and messages intended to convey God's relationship with Israel.

Biblical Reference:

The primary mention of Dibla'im is found in Hosea 1:3, which states: "So he went and married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son." . This verse introduces Gomer, the wife of Hosea, and identifies her as the daughter of Dibla'im. The text does not provide further details about Dibla'im, leaving much about this individual to interpretation and scholarly speculation.

Contextual Significance:

The Book of Hosea is a prophetic text that uses the personal life of Hosea as a metaphor for God's relationship with the nation of Israel. Hosea's marriage to Gomer, who is described as a woman of harlotry, symbolizes Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and other sins. The mention of Dibla'im, therefore, serves primarily to establish Gomer's lineage and to set the stage for the unfolding narrative of Hosea's prophetic message.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name Dibla'im is of uncertain etymology, and its meaning is not definitively known. Some scholars suggest that it may be related to the Hebrew word "diblah," which means "fig cake" or "pressed fig," though this connection is speculative. The lack of additional biblical or historical references to Dibla'im makes it challenging to ascertain more about the name's significance or the individual's background.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Dibla'im in the Book of Hosea underscores the importance of family and lineage in biblical narratives. While Dibla'im's role is not elaborated upon, the inclusion of genealogical details highlights the interconnectedness of personal and communal identities in the biblical text. Hosea's prophetic actions, including his marriage to Gomer, are deeply rooted in the cultural and familial context of ancient Israel, reflecting the broader themes of covenant, faithfulness, and redemption.

Conclusion:

The figure of Dibla'im, though briefly mentioned, plays a part in the larger narrative of Hosea's prophetic ministry. The reference serves to ground the account in a specific familial context, contributing to the rich tapestry of symbolism and meaning that characterizes the Book of Hosea. Through the lens of Hosea's life and family, the text communicates profound truths about God's enduring love and the call to repentance and restoration for His people.Dibla'im (1 Occurrence)

Hosea 1:3
And he goeth and taketh Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceiveth and beareth to him a son;
(See RSV)

Dibla'im (1 Occurrence)
Dibla'im. Diblaim, Dibla'im. Diblath . Multi-Version Concordance
Dibla'im (1 Occurrence). Hosea 1:3 And he goeth and taketh Gomer ...
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Diblaim (1 Occurrence)

/d/diblaim.htm - 7k

Diblath (1 Occurrence)

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