Lexical Summary Shobak: Shobak Original Word: שׁוֹבָךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shobach Perhaps for sowbek; Shobak, a Syrian -- Shobach. see HEBREW sowbek NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Aramean (Syrian) general, the same as NH7780 NASB Translation Shobach (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs שׁוֺבַךְ proper name, masculine Aramaean General, 2 Samuel 10:16,18 (Σωβακ, ᵐ5L Σαβεε), = שׁוֺפַךְ 1 Chronicles 19:16,18 (Σωφαρ, Σαφαθ; A Σωφαχ, Σωβαχ, ᵐ5L Σωφακ). שׁוֺבָל proper name see שׁבל. שׁוֺבָק, שׁוֺבֵא proper name see שׁבק. שׁוג (√ of following; "" form of שׁגג, שׁגה). Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingShobach appears during the reign of King David in connection with the Ammonite–Aramean coalition war (2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19). The Ammonites hired Aramean mercenary troops after David’s goodwill toward Hanun was rejected. When their first joint assault was routed by Joab, Hadadezer of Zobah recalled additional forces from “beyond the Euphrates,” placing them under the supreme command of Shobach (2 Samuel 10:16). Military Role 1. Supreme commander of Hadadezer’s professional army. Shobach’s death broke the morale of the Arameans, leading surviving coalition members to sue for peace and accept vassalage (2 Samuel 10:19; 1 Chronicles 19:19). Historical Importance • Marks the decisive shift that secured Israelite supremacy northward toward the Euphrates. Theological Themes Divine Sovereignty in Warfare David’s confidence was never in numbers but in the covenant God who “gives victory to His anointed” (Psalm 144:10). Shobach’s defeat affirms that the Lord exalts or brings low even the greatest foreign generals. Covenant Faithfulness and Expansion The land promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:18) begin to be realized as David defeats forces “beyond the River.” Shobach’s loss underscores God’s faithfulness to enlarge Israel’s borders under the Davidic king. Judgment on Pride and Hostility toward Israel Hanun’s contemptuous act toward David’s envoys escalated into full-blown war. Shobach’s fall demonstrates that resistance to God’s people becomes resistance to God Himself (Genesis 12:3). Ministry Applications Leadership and Dependence Even the most skilled commander is mortal. Ministry leaders must remember that strategy and strength are subservient to God’s purpose (Proverbs 21:31). Peacemaking and Diplomacy David initially offered kindness; war came only after deliberate provocation. Believers are called to seek peace yet be prepared to stand firm when truth and righteousness are challenged (Romans 12:18; Ephesians 6:13). Victory without Gloating David accepted the surrender of Aram and did not annihilate them, modeling restraint and paving the way for future alliances (e.g., Hiram of Tyre). Spiritual victories should likewise foster humility and reconciliation. Related Passages 2 Samuel 8:3–8 – earlier conflicts with Hadadezer that set the stage for Shobach’s appointment. Psalm 20; Psalm 60 – liturgical echoes of reliance on God in battles contemporary with these events. 1 Chronicles 18:3–8 – parallel record highlighting God’s preservation of David’s forces. Noteworthy Observations • Chronicles spells the commander’s name “Shophach,” a dialectical variation that in no way contradicts Samuel’s “Shobach.” Forms and Transliterations וְשׁוֹבַ֛ךְ ושובך שׁוֹבַ֧ךְ שובך shoVach šō·w·ḇaḵ šōwḇaḵ veshoVach wə·šō·w·ḇaḵ wəšōwḇaḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 10:16 HEB: וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ חֵילָ֑ם וְשׁוֹבַ֛ךְ שַׂר־ צְבָ֥א NAS: to Helam; and Shobach the commander KJV: to Helam; and Shobach the captain INT: came to Helam and Shobach the commander of the army 2 Samuel 10:18 2 Occurrences |
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