Shobal שׁוֹבָל
Son of Hur, founder of Kiriath-jearim, Judahite descendant.
Who is Shobal in the Bible?
Shobal was a Judahite descendant mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:50, 52 and 1 Chronicles 4:1-2 as the son of Hur and founder of the city Kiriath-jearim. According to the genealogical records, he was the father of Reaiah and ancestor of several clans including the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites, and Mishraites, who were known for their work as scribes, linen workers, and potters. Shobal's significance lies in his role as a progenitor of established Judahite families and settlements during the period of ancient Israel's territorial organization.
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
Siblings
- Uri MaleFather of GeberFather of Geber, one of Solomon's officersView full profile →
- Salma Tribe of JudahSon of HurSon of Hur, founder of BethlehemView full profile →
- Hareph Tribe of JudahSon of HurA descendant of Caleb, son of Hur.View full profile →
- Jezreel Tribe of JudahSon of HurA son of Hur in the genealogy of JudahView full profile →
- Ishma Tribe of JudahSon of HurSon of Hur, descendant of Judah.View full profile →
- Idbash Tribe of JudahSon of HurA descendant of Judah.View full profile →
- Hazzelelponi Tribe of JudahSister of UriA woman mentioned in the genealogy of Judah.View full profile →
- Penuel Tribe of JudahSon of HurSon of Hur, descendant of JudahView full profile →
- Ezer Tribe of JudahSon of HurFather or founder of Hushah, of Ephrathah.View full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 4 verses
- 1 Chronicles 2:50
"These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim,"
- 1 Chronicles 2:52
"These were the descendants of Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim: Haroeh, half the Manahathites,"
- 1 Chronicles 4:1
"The descendants of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal."
- 1 Chronicles 4:2
"Reaiah son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and Jahath was the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שׁוֹבָל |
Shobal
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;