4877. Meshobab

Lexical Summary

Meshobab: Meshobab

Original Word: מְשׁוֹבָב
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Mshowbab
Pronunciation: meh-sho-BAHV
Phonetic Spelling: (mesh-o-bawb')
KJV: Meshobab
NASB: Meshobab
Word Origin: [from H7725 (שׁוּב - return)]

1. returned
2. Meshobab, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Meshobab

From shuwb; returned; Meshobab, an Israelite -- Meshobab.

see HEBREW shuwb

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from shub
Definition
a Simeonite
NASB Translation
Meshobab (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

מְשׁוֺבָב proper name, masculine in Simeon, 1 Chronicles 4:34; Μοσωβαβ, ᵐ5^L ἐπιστρέφων.

Topical Lexicon

Name and Placement in Biblical Record

Meshobab appears once in Scripture, listed among the leaders of the tribe of Simeon in 1 Chronicles 4:34. Though mentioned only briefly, his inclusion in the inspired genealogy affirms his historical reality and covenant relationship within Israel.

Historical and Tribal Context

The Simeonite genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4 situates Meshobab during a season of demographic growth and territorial expansion. After the tribe’s original inheritance inside Judah’s borders (Joshua 19:1), Simeon’s population later increased (1 Chronicles 4:38), compelling its leaders to seek additional pastureland. Meshobab stood at the forefront of this movement, joining other chiefs who migrated “to the entrance of Gedor… to seek pasture for their flocks” (1 Chronicles 4:39). Their expedition uncovered “rich, good pasture” in a “spacious, peaceful, and quiet” land (1 Chronicles 4:40). This narrative preserves a glimpse of post–conquest settlement dynamics and underscores the pastoral character of Simeon.

Role in Simeonite Expansion

While the Chronicler records no personal exploits of Meshobab, the collective action of the chiefs reveals key aspects of his leadership:
• Visionary initiative—he helped direct a journey beyond traditional boundaries in pursuit of God’s provision.
• Strategic courage—the Simeonites confronted and “completely destroyed” hostile Hamite and Meunite encampments (1 Chronicles 4:41), securing inheritance for future generations.
• Stewardship mindset—Meshobab’s group acted for the welfare of “their flocks” (1 Chronicles 4:39), illustrating responsible shepherding of resources entrusted by God.

Spiritual Lessons and Ministry Implications

1. Dependence on divine providence. The search for pasture echoes Psalm 23:1–2; Meshobab’s obedience resulted in “green pastures” supplied by the Lord.
2. Faith–filled expansion. Like Jabez earlier in the chapter (1 Chronicles 4:10), Meshobab embodies prayerful ambition that seeks to enlarge borders while trusting God’s protection.
3. Inter‐generational faithfulness. The Chronicler connects these events with the reign of King Hezekiah (1 Chronicles 4:41), indicating that Meshobab’s legacy influenced later revival under a godly king.

Theological Reflections

Meshobab’s story, though concise, reinforces the chronicler’s overarching themes: God remembers individuals, honors tribal heritage, and orchestrates land distribution according to covenant promise. His name is preserved not for personal renown but to testify that every obedient act contributes to the unfolding redemptive history culminating in the Messiah, the true Shepherd who secures an everlasting inheritance (John 10:11; 1 Peter 1:3–4).

Modern Application

Believers today may imitate Meshobab by:
• Seeking God’s guidance before making vocational or geographical moves.
• Exercising pastoral care over people and possessions entrusted to them.
• Embracing courageous faith that advances the Kingdom while resting in God’s peace.

Forms and Transliterations

וּמְשׁוֹבָ֣ב ומשובב ū·mə·šō·w·ḇāḇ umeshoVav ūməšōwḇāḇ

Englishman's Concordance

1 Chronicles 4:34
HEB: וּמְשׁוֹבָ֣ב וְיַמְלֵ֔ךְ וְיוֹשָׁ֖ה
NAS: Meshobab and Jamlech and Joshah
KJV: And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah
INT: Meshobab and Jamlech and Joshah

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 4877
1 Occurrence

ū·mə·šō·w·ḇāḇ — 1 Occ.