Lexical Summary Metsobayah: Metsobayah Original Word: מְצֹבָיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mesobaite Apparently from matsa' and Yahh; found of Jah; Metsobajah, a place in Palestine -- Mesobaite. see HEBREW matsa' see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition descriptive title for one of David's men NASB Translation Mezobaite (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְצֹבָיָה with article ׳הַמּ 1 Chronicles 11:47, dubious; the preceding proper name seems to call for adjective, of a people, but form not suitable, and possibly derivation unknown; Be conjecture מִצֹּבָה, from ‚œba; ᵐ5 ὁ Μειναβεια, Μεσωβια, Μασαβια; ᵑ9 de Masobia. מְצָד, [מְצֹדָה], מְצֻדָה see צור. Topical Lexicon Name Significance and Identity Metsobayah designates an inhabitant of a locale known as Mezoba (translated “Mezobaite” in English). The term functions as a gentilic, identifying a person by place of origin rather than by personal name. Though Scripture offers no further detail about Mezoba, its placement among other ethnic descriptors in the catalogue of warriors suggests a distinct settlement or clan that lay under David’s expanding influence. Biblical Occurrence Metsobayah appears once, in the closing verse of the roster of David’s elite forces: “Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.” (1 Chronicles 11:47) Within this single mention, the term attaches to Jaasiel, naming him “the Mezobaite.” No parallel reference arises in 2 Samuel 23, indicating either textual compression in Samuel or the Chronicler’s intentional inclusion to underscore the breadth of support David enjoyed. Historical Setting The list in 1 Chronicles 11 assembles mighty men drawn from diverse tribes and regions—Judah, Benjamin, Gad, the Trans-Jordan, and beyond. That range mirrors David’s path from a tribal chieftain toward monarch over a united Israel. The Mezobaite’s presence therefore testifies to the far-reaching loyalty David commanded even before his throne was fully consolidated (cf. 1 Chronicles 12:22). In the ancient Near Eastern milieu, warriors identified by homeland implied covenantal allegiance of their community as well. Hence Mezoba, though otherwise obscure, likely contributed manpower and resources to the king. Role among David’s Mighty Warriors While Scripture preserves no exploits specific to Jaasiel, membership in the elite group signals exceptional courage, proven faithfulness, and strategic value to the kingdom. The Chronicler arranges the names to celebrate God’s faithfulness in raising up valiant supporters for His anointed. Jaasiel the Mezobaite stands alongside well-known figures such as Benaiah son of Jehoiada and Asahel, receiving the same commendation of honor (1 Chronicles 11:10-47). Spiritual Themes and Ministry Lessons 1. Unity in Diversity. The Mezobaite illustrates how God weaves together people of varying backgrounds to advance His purposes. Modern ministry likewise thrives when local and foreign, known and unknown, labor side by side under Christ’s lordship (Ephesians 4:16). Geographical and Prophetic Implications Some scholars link Mezoba with Zobah, a Syrian kingdom subdued by David (2 Samuel 8:3). If so, the Mezobaite represents a former enemy now reconciled, prefiguring Gentile inclusion in the Messianic reign (Isaiah 11:10). Although conjectural, the possibility aligns with the Chronicler’s post-exilic encouragement that the restored community embrace all who submit to the Lord. Application for the Contemporary Church • Recognize and celebrate believers from little-known places who commit their gifts to Christ’s mission. Related References 1 Chronicles 12:22 – continual growth of David’s army 2 Samuel 8:3 – conquest of Zobah Ephesians 2:13-19 – reconciliation of former outsiders through Christ Forms and Transliterations הַמְּצֹבָיָֽה׃ המצביה׃ ham·mə·ṣō·ḇā·yāh hamməṣōḇāyāh hammetzoaYahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 11:47 HEB: וְעוֹבֵ֔ד וְיַעֲשִׂיאֵ֖ל הַמְּצֹבָיָֽה׃ פ NAS: and Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite. KJV: and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite. INT: and Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite 1 Occurrence |