Tabeal is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Isaiah. The name "Tabeal" is of Aramaic origin, meaning "God is good" or "Good is God." This individual is not a prominent character in the biblical narrative but is associated with a significant historical and prophetic context.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Tabeal 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 Tabeal over it as king."

Historical Context:

The mention of Tabeal occurs during the Syro-Ephraimite War, a conflict in the 8th century BC. This war involved the kingdom of Judah, under King Ahaz, and a coalition formed by Rezin, king of Aram (Syria), and Pekah, son of Remaliah, king of Israel (Ephraim). The coalition sought to pressure Ahaz into joining their alliance against the Assyrian Empire, which was expanding its influence in the region.

Prophetic Significance:

The plot to install the "son of Tabeal" as king over Judah was part of the coalition's strategy to overthrow the Davidic line and establish a puppet ruler who would align with their interests. This plan, however, was contrary to God's covenant with David, which promised that his descendants would continue to rule over Judah.

In response to this threat, God sent the prophet Isaiah to reassure King Ahaz. Isaiah delivered a message of divine protection, emphasizing that the plans of Rezin and Pekah would not succeed. Isaiah 7:7-9 records God's promise: "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."

Theological Implications:

The reference to Tabeal highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and the protection of God's covenant promises. Despite the political machinations of human rulers, God's purposes prevail. The attempt to replace the Davidic king with the son of Tabeal underscores the ongoing spiritual battle between God's plans and human rebellion.

The prophecy delivered by Isaiah also serves as a call to faith for King Ahaz and the people of Judah. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises rather than succumbing to fear or political pressure. The failure of the coalition's plan is a testament to God's faithfulness and His control over the affairs of nations.

Conclusion:

While Tabeal himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, the mention of his son in the context of Isaiah's prophecy serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's covenant with David and the ultimate futility of opposing God's will.Tabeal

Tabeel, good God

Tabeal

(God is good). The son of Tabeal was apparently an Ephraimite in the army of Pekah the son of Remaliah, or a Syrian in the army of Rezin, when they went up to besiege Jerusalem in the reign of Ahaz. (Isaiah 7:6) The Aramaic form of the name favors the latter supposition. (B.C. before 738.)

Goodness of God, the father of one whom the kings of Syria and Samaria in vain attempted to place on the throne of Ahaz (Isaiah 7:6). 2870a. Tabeal -- "good for nothing," an Aramean (Syrian)
... 2870, 2870a. Tabeal. 2870b . "good for nothing," an Aramean (Syrian).
Transliteration: Tabeal Short Definition: Tabeel. ... 2870, 2870a. Tabeal. 2870b . ...
/hebrew/2870a.htm - 5k

2870. tab'el -- "good for nothing," an Aramean (Syrian)
... tab'el. 2870a . "good for nothing," an Aramean (Syrian). Transliteration:
tab'el Phonetic Spelling: (taw-beh-ale') Short Definition: Tabeal. Tabeal, Tabeel ...
/hebrew/2870.htm - 5k

Tabeal (1 Occurrence)
... 7:6). Multi-Version Concordance Tabeal (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 7:6 Let us
go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach ...
/t/tabeal.htm - 6k

Tabbath (1 Occurrence)

/t/tabbath.htm - 7k

Vex (20 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 7:6 Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein
for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal: (KJV JPS ...
/v/vex.htm - 14k

Rend (35 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 7:6 We go up into Judah, and we vex it, And we rend it unto ourselves, And
we cause a king to reign in its midst -- The son of Tabeal. (YLT). ...
/r/rend.htm - 18k

Breach (55 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 7:6 Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein
for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal: (KJV JPS ...
/b/breach.htm - 27k

Harass (14 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Isaiah 7:6 Let us go up against Judah, and harass it, and make a breach
therein for us, and set up a king therein the son of Tabeal; (DBY WBS). ...
/h/harass.htm - 10k

Tabeel (2 Occurrences)
... TABEEL. ta'-be-el: A name meaning "good is God," borne by two persons in the
Old Testament (Isaiah 7:6, the King James Version, "Tabeal"). ...
/t/tabeel.htm - 101k

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