Topical Encyclopedia
Shobal is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is recognized as a descendant of Seir the Horite and is associated with the Edomite lineage. Shobal's name appears in several passages, highlighting his role and lineage within the context of the ancient Near Eastern tribes.
Genealogy and LineageShobal is first introduced in the genealogical records of Genesis. He is identified as one of the sons of Seir the Horite, a notable figure in the region of Edom.
Genesis 36:20-21 states: "These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom." This passage places Shobal within the context of the Horite chiefs, indicating his prominence in the region.
Role and InfluenceShobal's influence extends beyond his immediate family, as he is also mentioned as a progenitor of a clan within the tribe of Judah. In
1 Chronicles 2:50-52 , Shobal is listed as a descendant of Caleb: "These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim, Salma the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth-gader." This connection to Caleb, a significant figure in Israelite history, underscores Shobal's importance in the tribal structure of Judah.
Territorial AssociationsShobal is also associated with specific geographical locations. He is referred to as the "father of Kiriath-jearim," a city that played a role in the history of Israel. Kiriath-jearim is mentioned in various biblical narratives, including the account of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim (
1 Samuel 7:1). This association with a notable city further emphasizes Shobal's significance in the biblical narrative.
Cultural and Historical ContextThe mention of Shobal within the genealogies and territorial records reflects the complex interrelations between the different tribes and peoples of the ancient Near East. As a Horite chief and a figure linked to the tribe of Judah, Shobal's presence in the biblical text highlights the interconnectedness of the Edomites and Israelites. His lineage and territorial associations provide insight into the historical and cultural dynamics of the time.
ConclusionWhile the biblical references to Shobal are brief, they offer a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of relationships and lineages that characterize the Old Testament narrative. Shobal's role as a chief, a progenitor, and a territorial figure underscores the multifaceted nature of biblical genealogies and their significance in understanding the history and heritage of the Israelite people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Shobalpath; ear of corn
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Shobal(flowing).
- Second son of Seir the Horite, (Genesis 36:20;1 Chronicles 1:38) and one of the "dukes" of the Horites (Genesis 36:29)
- Son of Caleb the son of Hur and founder or prince of Kirjath-jearim. (1 Chronicles 2:50,52) (B.C. about 1445.)
- In (1 Chronicles 4:1,2) Shobal appears with Hur among the sons of Judah. He is possibly the same as the preceding.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Pilgrim.
(1.) The second son of Seir the Horite; one of the Horite "dukes" (Genesis 36:20).
(2.) One of the sons of Caleb, and a descendant of Hur (1 Chronicles 2:50, 52;4:1, 2).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHOBALsho'-bal (shobhal, "overflowing"; Sobal, with variants):
(1) An Edomite name mentioned in connection with Lotan, Zibeon and Anah, as that of a "son" of Seir (Genesis 36:20), the father of a clan (Genesis 36:23), and a Horite "duke" ('alluph) (Genesis 36:291 Chronicles 1:38, 40).
(2) A Calebite, the father (possibly of the inhabitants) of Kiriath-jearim (1 Chronicles 2:50, 52).
(3) A Judahite, perhaps to be identified with (2) above (1 Chronicles 4:1 f).
Strong's Hebrew
7732.Shobal -- "flowing," an Edomite, also two Israelites... 7731, 7732.
Shobal. 7733 . "flowing," an Edomite, also two Israelites.
Transliteration:
Shobal Phonetic Spelling: (sho-bawl') Short Definition:
Shobal.
...Library
Chapter xxxvi
... 20-30. The following are the sons of Seir, the Horite, the inhabitants of the land:
Lotan andShobal and Zibeon and Anah; and Dishon and Ezer and Dishan....
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Edomites, Arabs, and Midianites were associated with this semi-Canaanite stock"for
example, Kain, Caleb, Othniel, Kenaz,Shobal, Ephah, and Jerahmeel, but...
Thesaurus
Shobal (9 Occurrences)... 1, 2). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SHOBAL. sho'-bal (shobhal
... 1 f).
Multi-Version Concordance
Shobal (9 Occurrences). Genesis 36:20
...Zibeon (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land:
Lotan,Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)....
Zib'eon (7 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Genesis 36:20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants
of the land: Lotan andShobal and Zibeon and Anah, (See RSV)....
Anah (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land:
Lotan,Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Onam (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ONAM. o'-na ('onam, "vigorous"; compare ONAN):
(1) "Son" ofShobal "son" of Seir the Horite (Genesis 36:23 1 Chronicles 1:40)....
Lotan (5 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land:
Lotan,Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Manahath (3 Occurrences)
... where the King James Version reads "with ease," and the Revised Version (British
and American) "at their resting-place." (2) One of the sons ofShobal, the son...
Alvan (2 Occurrences)
... al'-van (`alwan, "tall"?): A son ofShobal, the Horite (Genesis 36:23).... 1 Chronicles
1:40 The sons ofShobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam....
Ebal (8 Occurrences)
... 28. (2) A son ofShobal, son of Seir, the Horite (Genesis 36:23 1 Chronicles
1:40). Multi-Version Concordance Ebal (8 Occurrences)....
Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:50 These were the sons of Caleb. The sons of Hur the
first-born of Ephrath:Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim; (See RSV)....
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