Topical Encyclopedia Chobai is a location mentioned in the apocryphal text of 1 Esdras, which is part of the Septuagint but not included in the canonical Hebrew Bible. The reference to Chobai is found in 1 Esdras 5:21, where it is listed among the places from which the exiles returned to Jerusalem following the Babylonian captivity. The passage reads: "The sons of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty-three; the men of Netophah, fifty-five; the men of Anathoth, one hundred fifty-eight; the sons of Azmaveth, forty-two; the sons of Kiriath-arim, twenty-five; the sons of Chephirah and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three; the sons of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one; the men of Michmas, one hundred twenty-two; the men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty-three; the sons of Nebo, fifty-two; the sons of Magbish, one hundred fifty-six; the sons of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four; the sons of Harim, three hundred twenty; the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-five; the sons of Jericho, three hundred forty-five; the sons of Senaah, three thousand six hundred thirty."While the Berean Standard Bible does not include 1 Esdras, the text is valuable for historical and geographical studies related to the post-exilic period. Chobai is not mentioned in the canonical books of Ezra or Nehemiah, which also detail the return from exile, suggesting that it may have been a smaller or less significant settlement, or possibly a textual variant or scribal error in the transmission of the text. The exact location of Chobai remains uncertain, and it is not identified with any known archaeological site. Some scholars suggest that it could be a variant of another place name or a now-lost settlement. The mention of Chobai in 1 Esdras highlights the diversity of the returning exiles and the widespread nature of the Jewish diaspora during the Babylonian captivity. In the broader context of biblical history, the return from exile was a pivotal moment for the Jewish people, marking the beginning of the Second Temple period. The rebuilding of the Temple and the re-establishment of Jerusalem as a center of worship were central to the restoration of Jewish religious and communal life. The listing of various towns and settlements, including Chobai, underscores the collective effort of the Jewish people to restore their homeland and religious practices. Theologically, the return from exile is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and sovereignty. The inclusion of various towns and families in the lists of returnees serves as a testament to the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, despite the challenges and disruptions of the exile. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHOBA; CHOBAIko'-ba, ko'-ba-i (Choba, Judith 4:4; Chobai, 15:4): A place named along with Jericho, Asora, and the valley of Salem (Judith 4:4; 15:4). Reland's (Pal, 721) suggestion of Choabis, which the Peutinger Tables give as 12 Roman miles from Scythopolis, seems probable. It may be identical with el-Mekhubby, about 11 miles from Beisan (Scythepolis), and 3 miles from Tubas. Thesaurus Chobai... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHOBA; CHOBAI. ko'-ba, ko'-ba-i (Choba, Judith 4:4; Chobai, 15:4): A place named along with Jericho ... /c/chobai.htm - 6k Choba Chode (2 Occurrences) Chola Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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