Shobal שׁוֹבָל
Horite chief, son of Seir, in the land of Edom.
Who is Shobal in the Bible?
Shobal was a Horite chief and son of Seir who inhabited the land of Edom before it was settled by the descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:20, 23, 29; 1 Chronicles 1:38, 40). The Horites were the original inhabitants of the mountainous region of Seir, and Shobal's leadership position within his clan is indicated by his designation as a chief. His descendants are listed among the genealogy of Edomite chiefs, showing how the Horite population eventually intermingled with and was absorbed by the Edomites who descended from Esau. Shobal's mention in these genealogical records illustrates the complex settlement history of Edom and the transition of power from the earlier Horite inhabitants to the later Edomite dominance in the region.
Biography
Shobal is mentioned in Gen.36.20,23,29 and 1Ch.1.38,40 as one of the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land of Edom before the descendants of Esau. Shobal is described as a Horite chief, indicating his leadership position within the Horite clan. The Horites were the original inhabitants of the mountainous region of Seir, which later became known as Edom. Shobal's descendants, along with the other Horite clans, are listed in the genealogy of the chiefs of Edom. This genealogy demonstrates the intermingling of the Horites with the Edomites, who were descended from Esau, and the eventual dominance of the Edomites in the region.
Family
Siblings
- Lotan EdomSon of SeirSon of Seir the Horite; chief of EdomView full profile →
- Zibeon EdomFather of AnahHivite grandfather of Esau's wife OholibamahView full profile →
- Dishon EdomSon of SeirDescendant of Seir the Horite, son of AnahView full profile →
- Ezer MaleDavid's warriorGadite warrior; joined David at Ziklag.View full profile →
- Dishan EdomSon of SeirDescendant of Seir the HoriteView full profile →
- Timna EdomSister of LotanConcubine of Eliphaz; mother of AmalekView full profile →
Offspring
- Alvan EdomSon of ShobalHorite chief, descendant of SeirView full profile →
- Manahath EdomSon of ShobalSon of Shobal, a Horite.View full profile →
- Ebal EdomSon of ShobalSon of Shobal and descendant of Seir the HoriteView full profile →
- Shepho EdomSon of ShobalHorite chief, son of ShobalView full profile →
- Onam Tribe of JudahSon of JerahmeelDescendant of Judah, son of JerahmeelView full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 3 verses
- Genesis 36:20
"These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who were living in the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,"
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:23
"These are the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:29
"These are the chiefs of the Horites: Chiefs Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,"
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 1:38
"The sons of Seir: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan."
- 1 Chronicles 1:40
"The sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שׁוֹבָל |