Nophah
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Topical Encyclopedia
Nophah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. The reference to Nophah is found in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their encounters with various peoples and territories.

Biblical Reference:

The sole mention of Nophah is in Numbers 21:30, which states: "But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon. We have demolished them as far as Nophah, which extends to Medeba."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Nophah is mentioned in the poetic account of the conquest of the Amorite territories by the Israelites. This passage is part of a victory song celebrating the defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites. The song recounts the destruction of several cities and regions, highlighting the extent of Israel's triumph.

The exact location of Nophah is not definitively known, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Some scholars suggest that Nophah may have been a city or a region within the territory of the Amorites, possibly near Heshbon and Medeba. The mention of Nophah alongside these locations indicates its significance in the broader narrative of Israel's conquests east of the Jordan River.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Nophah in the victory song underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. The conquest of the Amorite lands, including Nophah, is seen as a demonstration of God's faithfulness and power in delivering the land into the hands of His chosen people. This event is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, illustrating God's guidance and provision.

Cultural and Literary Aspects:

The passage in which Nophah is mentioned is part of a larger poetic section, which is characteristic of ancient Near Eastern victory songs. These songs often celebrated military triumphs and the heroism of the victors, serving both as historical records and as expressions of cultural identity and divine favor.

In the context of the Book of Numbers, the inclusion of such a song serves to remind the Israelites of their dependence on God for victory and success. It also reinforces the theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's people.

Conclusion:

While Nophah is not a prominent location in biblical history, its mention in the context of Israel's conquests highlights the broader themes of divine promise and fulfillment. The victory over the Amorites, including the destruction of Nophah, is a testament to God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His plan for the nation of Israel.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Nophah

fearful; binding

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Blast, a city of Moab which was occupied by the Amorites (Numbers 21:30).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
NOPHAH

no'-fa (nophach; the Septuagint does not transliterate): A city mentioned only in Numbers 21:30 (see NOBAH). Septuagint reads: kai hai gunaikes eti prosexekausan pur epi Moab, "and the women besides (yet) kindled a fire at (against) Moab." The text has evidently suffered corruption.

Strong's Hebrew
5302. Nophach -- a city of Moab
... 5301, 5302. Nophach. 5303 . a city of Moab. Transliteration: Nophach Phonetic
Spelling: (no'-fakh) Short Definition: Nophah. ... Nophah. ...
/hebrew/5302.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Nophah (1 Occurrence)
...NOPHAH. no'-fa (nophach; the Septuagint does not transliterate): A city mentioned
only in Numbers 21:30 (see NOBAH). ...Nophah (1 Occurrence). ...
/n/nophah.htm - 7k

Noph (6 Occurrences)

/n/noph.htm - 9k

Nobah (2 Occurrences)
... Some would read, following the Syriac in Numbers 21:30, "Nobah which is on the desert,"
instead of "Nophah which reacheth unto Medeba." No site with a name ...
/n/nobah.htm - 8k

Nor (6640 Occurrences)

/n/nor.htm - 7k

Ruined (65 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Numbers 21:30 We have shot at them. Heshbon has perished even to Dibon.
We have laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba." (See NAS). ...
/r/ruined.htm - 25k

Reacheth (23 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:30 We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we
have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba. ...
/r/reacheth.htm - 13k

Reaches (26 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:30 We have shot at them. Heshbon has perished even to Dibon. We have
laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba." (WEB NAS). ...
/r/reaches.htm - 13k

Extends (15 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:30 We have shot at them. Heshbon has perished even to Dibon. We have
laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba." (See NIV). ...
/e/extends.htm - 10k

Demolished (15 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:30 We have shot at them. Heshbon has perished even to Dibon. We have
laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba." (See NIV). ...
/d/demolished.htm - 11k

Dibon (12 Occurrences)
... Heshbon has perished even to Dibon. We have laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches
to Medeba." (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dibon.htm - 12k

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