Original Word: מְצֹבָיָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name
Transliteration: Mtsobayah
Pronunciation: met-so-bah-YAH
Phonetic Spelling: (mets-o-baw-yaw')
KJV: Mesobaite
NASB: Mezobaite
Word Origin: [apparently from H4672 (מָצָא - found) and H3050 (יָהּ - LORD)]

1. found of Jah
2. Metsobajah, a place in Israel

Mesobaite

Apparently from matsa' and Yahh; found of Jah; Metsobajah, a place in Palestine -- Mesobaite.

see HEBREW matsa'

see HEBREW Yahh

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
descriptive title for one of David's men
NASB Translation
Mezobaite (1).

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.

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).
2. Hidden but Honored Service. Though Jaasiel’s deeds remain unrecorded, his name endures in Scripture. Faithful service, even when unnoticed by history, is never overlooked by God (Hebrews 6:10).
3. Covenant Loyalty. By aligning with David, the Mezobaite aligned with the covenant promise that the Messiah would spring from David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Commitment to God’s chosen king foreshadows the believer’s allegiance to Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matthew 1:1).

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.
• Cultivate unity that transcends ethnicity, background, and previous hostility.
• Trust that God records and rewards every act of faithful valor, whether chronicled or concealed.

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

הַמְּצֹבָיָֽה׃ המצביה׃ ham·mə·ṣō·ḇā·yāh hamməṣōḇāyāh hammetzoaYahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts