The correct spelling of the biblical place-name "Rehob" has been debated for centuries. Some scholars argue that it should be spelled "Rechov" because of similarities with the Hebrew word for "street". However, the traditional spelling "Rehob" has prevailed. This word is pronounced /ˈreɪ.hɑb/ with the stress on the first syllable, and is often transliterated from Hebrew as "R'hov" or "Rehov". Regardless of the spelling, "Rehob" is mentioned in the Bible as a place in both the Old and New Testaments.
Rehob is a biblical place mentioned in the Old Testament, predominantly in the Book of Joshua. It is a city of ancient Canaan and its name translates to "broad place" or "roomy." Rehob is commonly believed to be located in the land of northern Canaan somewhere near the region of modern-day Lebanon.
In the Book of Joshua, Rehob is mentioned as a city that falls under the rule of the Israelites after their conquest of Canaan. It is described as one of the northernmost cities within the territory allocated to the tribe of Asher. Rehob is portrayed as a key landmark on the way to Hamath, serving as a strategic location for communication and trade routes in the region.
The exact location of Rehob is uncertain, as there is no archaeological evidence specifically confirming its existence. Scholars have put forth various hypotheses regarding its possible identification with the modern sites of Tell Rifʿat or Tell Nebi Mend, both located in northern Syria near the Lebanese border.
Given its importance in biblical texts, Rehob holds historical and religious significance for those studying the Israelite conquest of Canaan and the early stages of ancient Israelite society.
The exact etymology of the word "Rehob" is not clear, as it is a place name mentioned in the Bible. In the Old Testament, "Rehob" is mentioned as a city located in the northern part of ancient Canaan, near the border of present-day Lebanon. The name "Rehob" is derived from the Hebrew word "רֵחֹב" which means "broad" or "wide". It is believed that the city was named so because of its spaciousness or its location in an open area. However, beyond this, the etymology and origin of the word are not conclusively known.