Shobal שׁוֹבָל

Male Tribe of Judah H7732H 1 book

Son of Hur, founder of Kiriath-jearim, Judahite descendant.

Biography

Shobal is mentioned in 1Ch.2.50,52 and 1Ch.4.1,2 as a descendant of Judah through Hur, the son of Caleb, though the text is difficult to interpret. He is described as the father (ie founder) of Kiriath-jearim, a city in Judah. The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2 lists Shobal among the descendants of Hur, along with his brothers Salma and Hareph. In 1 Chronicles 4, Shobal is mentioned again as the father of Reaiah, who was the father of Jahath. This passage also states that the families of Kiriath-jearim, including the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites, and Mishraites, were descended from Shobal. These clans were known for their various occupations, such as scribes, linen workers, and potters. Shobal's mention in the genealogies of Judah highlights his role as an ancestor of prominent families and clans within the tribe.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
1 Chronicles 4 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 2:50

    "These were the sons of Caleb, the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim,"

  • 1 Chronicles 2:52

    "Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim had sons: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth."

  • 1 Chronicles 4:1

    "The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal."

  • 1 Chronicles 4:2

    "Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath; and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Strong's
Named Hebrew שׁוֹבָל H7732H
Encyclopedia Article

Shobal

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

ther of a clan (Ge 36:23), and a Horite "duke" ('alluph) (Ge 36:29; 1Ch 1:38,40).

(2) A Calebite, the father (possibly of the inhabitants) of Kiriath-jearim (1Ch 2:50,52).

(3) A Judahite, perhaps to be identified with (2) above (1Ch 4:1 f).

sho'-bek (shobheq; Sobek): One of those who sealed the covenant under Nehemiah after the Babylonian captivity (Ne 10:24).

sho'-bi (shobhi;