Who was Shobab in the Bible?

Shobab was one of the sons of King David and Bathsheba, born to them in Jerusalem after the death of their first child. He is listed among David's sons in the genealogical records (1 Chronicles 3:5).

What is the significance of Shobab in the Bible?

Shobab's primary significance is as a named descendant in the royal lineage of King David, which is crucial for the biblical narrative of the Davidic covenant. His inclusion in the genealogy shows God's continued blessing on David's house, even after David's sin with Bathsheba.

What key events in Shobab's life are recorded?

The Bible does not record specific events from Shobab's life. His only mention is in the list of David's sons born in Jerusalem, establishing his place in the royal family line (1 Chronicles 3:5, 2 Samuel 5:14).

Shobab

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleSon

Shobab was a son of David and Bathsheba, born to them in Jerusalem.

Shobab

Biography

Shobab was one of the sons born to David and Bathsheba after their union became legitimate following the death of their first child. He is named in 2 Samuel 5:14 and 1 Chronicles 3:5 alongside his brothers Shimea, Shammua, and Nathan, and in the Chronicler's account alongside Solomon as well. These sons were born to David in Jerusalem, marking them as children of the royal household at the height of the Davidic monarchy. While Shobab does not appear individually in any narrative episode, his naming among the sons of Bathsheba places him within the most prominent branch of the royal household, the sibling line of Solomon through whom the covenant dynasty would continue.

Significance

Shobab's birth to David and Bathsheba carries quiet but important theological weight. He represents the children who came after the repentance and restoration that followed the sin recorded in 2 Samuel 11-12, symbolizing renewed divine blessing upon the covenant relationship despite its severe disruption. The naming of multiple sons born to David and Bathsheba in Jerusalem signals God's continued fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) even through complicated and painful human circumstances. Shobab, while overshadowed by his brother Solomon, is part of the royal family through whom God chose to maintain the covenant line, a testament to divine grace operating through imperfect human realities.

Authority Records

Wikidata

Verse Appearances (3)

2Sam

2Sam 5:14

1Chr

1Chr 3:5 1Chr 14:4

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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