Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical References:Shoa is mentioned in the context of the prophetic writings of Ezekiel. The specific reference can be found in
Ezekiel 23:23, where Shoa is listed among the nations and peoples involved in the judgment against Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 23:23 :"The Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, the men of Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them—all desirable young men, governors and commanders, officers and men of renown, mounted on horses."
Historical and Geographical Context:Shoa is identified as a people or region associated with the Babylonian empire during the time of the prophet Ezekiel. The exact location and identity of Shoa are not definitively known, but it is often considered to be a group or region within the broader Babylonian or Mesopotamian sphere of influence. The mention of Shoa alongside other groups such as the Chaldeans and Assyrians suggests its involvement in the military and political alliances of the time.
Theological Significance:In the prophetic literature, Shoa is part of the divine judgment narrative against Jerusalem. The inclusion of Shoa among the nations used by God to execute judgment highlights the theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and His use of various peoples to fulfill His purposes. The judgment against Jerusalem, as described by Ezekiel, serves as a warning to the people of Israel about the consequences of their unfaithfulness and idolatry.
Cultural and Symbolic Interpretation:The mention of Shoa, along with other nations, symbolizes the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. It reflects the historical reality of the Babylonian empire's reach and the alliances that were common in the ancient Near East. The presence of Shoa in the biblical text underscores the interconnectedness of the nations and the complex political landscape during the time of the prophets.
Linguistic Notes:The name "Shoa" in Hebrew (שׁוֹעַ) may have connotations of wealth or opulence, which could imply a region known for its resources or significance. However, the precise etymology and meaning remain uncertain due to the limited references in ancient texts.
Related Entries:·
Babylonians: A dominant empire during the time of Ezekiel, known for its conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent Babylonian Exile.
·
Chaldeans: A people closely associated with the Babylonians, often mentioned in the context of their military prowess and influence.
·
Assyrians: A powerful empire preceding the Babylonians, known for its military campaigns and interactions with Israel and Judah.
Conclusion:While Shoa is not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, its inclusion in Ezekiel's prophecy serves as a testament to the historical and theological themes prevalent in the prophetic books. The mention of Shoa alongside other nations emphasizes the broader context of divine judgment and the fulfillment of God's plans through the nations of the ancient world.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Shoakings; tyrants
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Shoa(rich), a proper name which occurs only in (Ezekiel 23:23) in connection with Pekod and Koa. The three apparently designate districts of Assyria with which the southern kingdom of Judah has been intimately connected, and which were to be arrayed against it for punishment.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Opulent, the mountain district lying to the north-east of Babylonia, anciently the land of the Guti, or Kuti, the modern Kurdistan. The plain lying between these mountains and the Tigris was called su-Edina, i.e., "the border of the plain." This name was sometimes shortened into Suti and Su, and has been regarded as = Shoa (
Ezek. 23:23). Some think it denotes a place in Babylon. (see
PEKOD.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHOAsho'-a (shoa`; Soue): A people named inEzekiel 23:23 in association with Babylonians, Chaldeans and Assyrians. Schrader identifies with the Sutu of the inscriptions (East of the Tigris).
Strong's Hebrew
7772.Shoa -- probably nomads East of the Tigris and in the Syrian......Shoa. 7773 . probably nomads East of the Tigris and in the Syrian desert.
Transliteration:
Shoa Phonetic Spelling: (sho'-ah) Short Definition:
Shoa.
...7771b.shoa -- a cry
... 7771a, 7771b.shoa. 7772 . a cry. Transliteration:shoa Short Definition:
crying.... 7771a, 7771b.shoa. 7772 . Strong's Numbers.
7771a.shoa -- independent, noble (in station)
... 7771, 7771a.shoa. 7771b . independent, noble (in station). Transliteration:
shoa Short Definition: generous.... 7771, 7771a.shoa. 7771b . Strong's Numbers
50. Abishua -- "my father is rescue," two Israelites
... Definition: Abishua. Word Origin from ab andshoa Definition "my father is
rescue," two Isr. NASB Word Usage Abishua (5). Abishua. From...
Library
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <....
Thesaurus
Shoa (2 Occurrences)... and the Tigris was called su-Edina, ie, "the border of the plain." This name was
sometimes shortened into Suti and Su, and has been regarded as =
Shoa (Ezek.
...Kir (11 Occurrences)
... 3. An Emendation of Isaiah 22:5: In Isaiah 22:5 occurs the phrase, "a breaking down
of the walls, and a crying to the mountains" (meqarqar qir we-shoa` 'el ha...
Koa (1 Occurrence)
... He-camel, occurs only in Ezek. 23:23, some province or place in the Babylonian
empire, used in this passage along withShoa (qv). Int....
Sho'a (1 Occurrence)
Sho'a.Shoa, Sho'a. Shoal . Multi-Version Concordance Sho'a (1 Occurrence).
Ezekiel... them. (See RSV).Shoa, Sho'a. Shoal . Reference Bible.
Ko'a (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 23:23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod andShoa and Koa, and
all the Assyrians with them; desirable young men, governors and rulers all of...
Renowned (15 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:23 The Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, andShoa, and Koa,
and all the Assyrians with them: all of them desirable young men, captains and...
Renown (24 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod andShoa and Koa, and
all the Assyrians with them; desirable young men, governors and rulers all of...
Prefects (18 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:23 Sons of Babylon, and of all Chaldea, Pekod, andShoa, and Koa, All
the sons of Asshur with them, Desirable young men, governors and prefects, All...
Pekod (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod andShoa and Koa, and
all the Assyrians with them; desirable young men, governors and rulers all of...
Bounty (14 Occurrences)
... James Version; Tobh, "to be good" (Proverbs 22:9); eulogia, "good speech," "blessing"
(2 Corinthians 9:6); gamal, "to treat well" (Psalm 119:17);shoa`, "to be...
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