The Hebrew noun רִיב (reeb) derives from the root word רִיב/רוּב (reeb/roob), which means “to toss, wrangle, grapple,” and by implication, “to defend” [H7378]. This noun carries the same semantic range as its root, primarily signifying a contest or strife. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament highlights its significance, particularly in Psalm 43:1, due to its poetic parallel structure.
In Psalm 43:1, we find a critical example that illuminates the legal dimension of רִיב: “Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation.” The Hebrew poetic structure creates a semantic parallel between “judge me” (שָׁפְטֵנִי) and “plead my cause” (וְרִיבִי רִיבִי). This parallelism establishes רִיב as a formal legal term rather than merely denoting everyday conflict.
God is invoked not merely as judge but simultaneously as an advocate who pleads the psalmist’s case.
This poetic device reveals that רִיב functions in a dual capacity: as both a judicial contest and as advocacy. While רִיב generally indicates a “contest” or “strife,” its parallel positioning with “judge” elevates it to a formal legal proceeding. Within this context, God is invoked not merely as judge but simultaneously as advocate who pleads the psalmist’s case—a reflection of the Hebrew understanding of divine justice where God both renders righteous judgment and defends the oppressed.
The significance of this parallelism lies in its transformation of what might otherwise be understood as a simple “quarrel” into a formalized legal appeal. This linguistic structure emphasizes the psalmist’s confidence in God’s role as defender against injustice, clarifying that the appeal seeks not just judgment but divine advocacy in a righteous cause.
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Pastor Dan Patrick, raised in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., holds both a Bible degree and a Master’s of Divinity. He has ministered across five states from coast to coast, serving in various capacities, including pastoral leadership. Dan’s primary mission is to help people love God’s Word and find their purpose in God’s work.
