Shobach שׁוֹבַךְ
Commander of Hadadezer's army, killed by David's men.
Who is Shobach in the Bible?
Shobach was the commander of the army of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, during the reign of King David (2 Samuel 10:16, 18). When the Ammonites hired Syrian mercenaries to fight against David, Hadadezer sent Shobach and his forces to support them in battle. David's army defeated both the Syrian and Ammonite forces, with Shobach being killed along with many of his soldiers during the fighting. This victory was significant for David, as it established his military dominance over the region and strengthened his kingdom's power and influence over surrounding nations.
Biography
Shobach (or Shophach) is mentioned in 2Sa.10.16,18 and 1Ch.19.16,18 as the commander of the army of Hadadezer, king of Zobah. When the Ammonites hired Syrian mercenaries to fight against David, Hadadezer sent his army, led by Shobach, to support them. In the ensuing battle, David's forces defeated the Syrians and the Ammonites. Shobach was killed during the battle by David's men, along with many of his soldiers. The defeat of Shobach and the Syrian army was a significant victory for David, establishing his dominance over the region and solidifying his kingdom's power.
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 2 verses
- 2 Samuel 10:16
"Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them."
- 2 Samuel 10:18
"But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there."
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 19:16
"When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them."
- 1 Chronicles 19:18
"But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שׁוֹבַךְ |
| Named | Hebrew | שׁוֹפָךְ |