Topical Encyclopedia Tab'eel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. The name Tab'eel is of Aramaic origin, meaning "God is good" or "God is my good." This individual is associated with a significant historical and prophetic context during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Tab'eel is found in Isaiah 7:6. The verse states: "Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeel as king over it." . This passage is part of a larger narrative concerning the Syro-Ephraimite War, where the kingdoms of Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim) formed an alliance against Judah. Historical Context: During the reign of King Ahaz (circa 735-715 BC), Judah faced a significant threat from the northern kingdom of Israel and its ally, Aram. The two kingdoms sought to dethrone Ahaz and replace him with a puppet king, the "son of Tabeel." This political maneuver was intended to strengthen their position against the rising Assyrian Empire by controlling Judah and its strategic location. Prophetic Significance: The plot to install the son of Tabeel as king over Judah was ultimately thwarted by divine intervention. The prophet Isaiah delivered a message from God to King Ahaz, assuring him that the plans of Aram and Israel would not succeed. Isaiah 7:7-9 records God's response: "It will not happen; it will not occur. For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people. The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all." This prophecy emphasized God's sovereignty and the futility of human schemes against His chosen people. It also served as a call for faith and trust in God's promises, highlighting the importance of reliance on divine guidance rather than political alliances. Theological Implications: The mention of Tab'eel in the context of Isaiah's prophecy underscores the theme of divine protection and the assurance of God's plans for His people. It illustrates the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, despite external threats and internal challenges. The thwarting of the plot against Judah serves as a testament to God's control over history and His ability to preserve His chosen lineage, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. In summary, Tab'eel is a minor yet significant figure within the biblical narrative, representing the political intrigue and divine intervention that characterized the period of the divided kingdoms. His mention in Isaiah serves as a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people and the ultimate triumph of His purposes. Concordance Tab'eel (1 Occurrence)Ezra 4:7 Thesaurus Tab'eel (1 Occurrence)Tab'eel. Ta'be-el, Tab'eel. Tabellius . Multi-Version Concordance Tab'eel (1 Occurrence). Ezra 4:7 And in the days of Artaxerxes ... /t/tab'eel.htm - 6k Tabellius Ta'be-el (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |