שׁוֹבָל
Shobal, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites
Definition
Shobal is a proper name given to several individuals in the Old Testament. Primarily, it refers to a son of Seir the Horite, an Edomite chieftain (Genesis 36:20, 23, 29; 1 Chronicles 1:38, 40). A different Shobal is listed as a descendant of Judah and the founder of Kiriath-jearim (1 Chronicles 2:50, 52). Finally, another Shobal appears as a son of Hur, also from the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:1-2). While the name is the same, these are distinct figures from different lineages and eras.
Biblical Usage
The name Shobal is used exclusively for male individuals in genealogical lists. It appears in the foundational genealogy of the Edomites in Genesis 36 and is later repeated in the parallel chronicles in 1 Chronicles 1. Its usage shifts to the tribe of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2 and 4, where it identifies ancestors of important Judahite clans and towns, specifically linking to the city of Kiriath-jearim (1 Chronicles 2:50-52).
Etymology
The name Shobal (שׁוֹבָל) derives from the root שׁבל (šbl), related to the noun שֹׁבֶל (shobel, H7640) meaning 'flowing stream' or 'trail.' Thus, the name carries the sense of 'overflowing' or 'path.' It is likely a theophoric name, implicitly invoking God's provision or guidance, as was common in Hebrew naming conventions.
Semantic Range
While a personal name, Shobal's inclusion in both Edomite and Judahite genealogies highlights the Bible's intricate attention to lineage and God's sovereign working through family lines. The Judahite Shobal's connection to Kiriath-jearim—the city that housed the Ark of the Covenant for decades (1 Samuel 7:1-2)—subtly links this otherwise minor figure to a major site in Israel's sacred history. This illustrates how God uses seemingly obscure individuals within His broader redemptive plan.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, names were not merely labels but often carried descriptive meaning or expressed a hope or characteristic. A name meaning 'overflowing' or 'path' could signify prosperity or divine guidance. The repetition of the same name across different tribes (Edom and Judah) was not uncommon, as names were drawn from a shared pool of meaningful words and roots.
As a proper noun, Shobal has no direct synonyms. It is related etymologically to שֹׁבֶל (shobel, H7640) — a common noun meaning 'flowing stream' or 'trail.'
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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