Who was Jobab in the Bible?

Jobab was a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically listed as one of the sons of Elpaal in the genealogical records found in 1 Chronicles 8:18. He is a relatively minor figure mentioned only in this lineage.

Why is Jobab mentioned in the Bible?

Jobab is mentioned to preserve the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin, which was important for establishing lineage, tribal inheritance, and the historical continuity of God's people. His inclusion helps trace the family lines within Israel (1 Chronicles 8:1-40).

Are there any stories or key events about Jobab's life?

No, the Bible does not record any specific stories, deeds, or key events from Jobab's life. His mention is solely genealogical, serving to document his place within the family tree of Benjamin.

Jobab

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Jobab, a descendant of Benjamin, was one of the sons of Elpaal (1Ch.8.18).

Jobab

Biography

Jobab, a descendant of Benjamin and son of Elpaal, is listed among the heads of families in the extended Benjaminite genealogy preserved in 1 Chronicles 8:18. Elpaal was himself a notable Benjaminite clan head, and his sons, including Jobab along with Eber, Misham, and others, are recorded as builders of towns and as heads within their tribal divisions. The Benjaminite genealogies of 1 Chronicles 8 are particularly detailed, likely reflecting the tribe's special significance as the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul, and the later prominence of Benjaminites in the post-exilic community. Jobab's place in these records identifies him as a clan chief whose family contributed to the settled life and administrative structure of Benjamin during the monarchic period.

Significance

As a son of Elpaal within the tribe of Benjamin, Jobab represents the layer of ancestral leadership that structured Israelite tribal society below the level of national prominence. The detailed Benjaminite genealogies in 1 Chronicles 8 reflect the post-exilic community's vital interest in establishing legitimate tribal heritage as a basis for land rights, priestly duties, and communal identity upon return from Babylon. Jobab's inclusion affirms the biblical conviction that faithful stewardship of family and clan responsibilities is honored within God's covenant community. His story, however fragmentary, testifies to the breadth of persons through whom God preserved and structured his people across generations.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherJoktanChildAdinahChildEridahSiblingHazarmavethSiblingAlmodadSiblingHadoramSiblingUzalSiblingAbimaelSiblingDikla

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 8:18

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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