Zeboim is a name that appears in the Bible, referring to both a city and a valley within the tribal territory of Benjamin. The name Zeboim is derived from the Hebrew word "צְבֹעִים" (Tsebo'im), which is often translated as "hyenas" or "gazelles," indicating a place associated with wildlife or desolation.

1. Zeboim as a City:

Zeboim is mentioned in the context of the cities of the tribe of Benjamin. In Nehemiah 11:34, the city is listed among the settlements where the people of Benjamin resided after the return from the Babylonian exile: "Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat" . This indicates that Zeboim was part of the post-exilic restoration efforts, where the Israelites sought to reestablish their presence in the Promised Land by repopulating and rebuilding their ancestral cities.

2. Zeboim as a Valley:

The Valley of Zeboim is referenced in 1 Samuel 13:18, during the account of the Philistine incursions into Israelite territory. The passage describes the strategic movements of the Philistine raiding parties: "Another company turned toward Beth-horon, and another turned toward the border overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the wilderness" . This valley, therefore, served as a geographical landmark during the military engagements between the Israelites and the Philistines.

3. Historical and Geographical Context:

The city and valley of Zeboim are situated within the tribal allotment of Benjamin, a region characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic location. The territory of Benjamin was centrally located among the tribes of Israel, serving as a buffer zone between the northern and southern tribes. This centrality made it a frequent site of conflict and strategic importance throughout Israel's history.

4. Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Zeboim's mention in the context of the return from exile highlights the faithfulness of God in restoring His people to their land. The repopulation of cities like Zeboim underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to bring His people back from captivity and reestablish them in the land He had given to their forefathers.

5. Zeboim in the Broader Biblical Narrative:

While Zeboim is not a major focal point in the biblical narrative, its inclusion in the lists of cities and geographical descriptions serves to provide a fuller picture of the land of Israel and the distribution of the tribes. It also reflects the historical realities faced by the Israelites, including the challenges of foreign oppression and the hope of restoration.

In summary, Zeboim, as both a city and a valley, plays a role in the broader narrative of Israel's history, illustrating themes of conflict, restoration, and divine faithfulness. Its mention in the Scriptures, though brief, contributes to the rich tapestry of the biblical account of the land and people of Israel.1 Samuel 13:18
And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looks to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 11:34
Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
Nave's Topical Index

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... to Sodom and Gomorrah, to Admah and Zeboim, she beheld ... Then entering Jericho she
saw the city which Hiel founded ... be tedious were I tell of the valley of Achor ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... to put it at the mouth of the valley of Zal ... know that to Herodotus (v.55) Susa was
the city of Memnon ... of the Dead Sea"Sodom, Gomorrah, Adamah, Zeboim, and Bela ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

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