Introduction:
Ish-tob is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically within the historical narratives concerning the period of the Judges and the early monarchy in Israel. The name "Ish-tob" translates to "man of Tob" or "men of Tob," referring to a region or group of people associated with the land of Tob. This entry explores the biblical references to Ish-tob, its geographical and historical context, and its significance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:
The primary reference to Ish-tob is found in the context of the conflict involving Jephthah, a judge of Israel. In Judges 11:3, it is mentioned that Jephthah fled from his brothers and "settled in the land of Tob, where a gang of scoundrels gathered around him and followed him" . This indicates that Tob was a place of refuge and possibly a region outside the immediate control of Israelite tribes.

Another significant mention of Ish-tob occurs in 2 Samuel 10:6, where the Ammonites, realizing they had become odious to David, hired mercenaries from various regions, including "twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zobah, as well as the king of Maacah with a thousand men, and twelve thousand men from Tob" . This passage highlights the military involvement of the men of Tob in the regional conflicts of the time.

Geographical Context:
The land of Tob is believed to be located east of the Jordan River, possibly in the region of modern-day Jordan or southern Syria. It is often associated with the area near Gilead, as Jephthah, a Gileadite, found refuge there. The exact boundaries and political status of Tob during the biblical period remain uncertain, but it is clear that it was a distinct entity capable of providing military support.

Historical and Cultural Context:
During the time of the Judges and the early monarchy, the land of Tob was likely a semi-autonomous region inhabited by various groups, including Arameans and other non-Israelite peoples. The presence of mercenaries from Tob in the conflict with David suggests that the region had a warrior culture and was involved in the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Near East.

The narrative of Jephthah indicates that Tob was a place where outcasts and those seeking refuge could gather, suggesting a degree of social and political independence. This aligns with the broader theme in the Book of Judges of God using unexpected and marginalized individuals to deliver Israel.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative:
Ish-tob's significance lies in its role as a place of refuge for Jephthah, who would later become a judge and deliverer of Israel. The association with Jephthah underscores the theme of redemption and divine providence, as God raises a leader from a place of exile and rejection.

The involvement of the men of Tob in the conflict against David highlights the complex alliances and enmities in the ancient Near East. It serves as a reminder of the constant threats faced by Israel from surrounding nations and the need for reliance on God's guidance and protection.

Conclusion:
While Ish-tob is not a central focus in the biblical narrative, its mentions provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the time. The land of Tob, as a place of refuge and a source of military support, plays a role in the unfolding account of Israel's judges and kings, illustrating the intricate tapestry of relationships and events that shaped the history of God's people.Ish-Tob

good man

ISH-TOB

ish'-tob ('ish Tobh, the American Standard Revised Version "the men of Tob"): A place in Palestine, probably a small kingdom, large enough, however, to supply at least 12,000 men of valor to the children of Ammorn in their struggle against Joab, David's general (2 Samuel 10:6, 8).

See ISH.

382a. ish-Tob -- "men of Tob," inhab. of a region East of the ...
ish-Tob. 382, 382a. ish-Tob. 382b . "men of Tob," inhab. of a region East
of the Jordan. Transliteration: ish-Tob Short Definition: Tob. ...
/hebrew/382a.htm - 5k

382. Iysh-Towb -- "men of Tob," inhab. of a region East of the ...
... "men of Tob," inhab. of a region East of the Jordan. Transliteration: Iysh-Towb
Phonetic Spelling: (eesh-tobe') Short Definition: Ish-tob. Ish-tob ...
/hebrew/382.htm - 5k

Persistency in Wrong Doing.
... and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand foot
soldiers, and of King Maacah a thousand men, and of Ish-tob twelve thousand ...
/.../xliii persistency in wrong doing.htm

'More than Conquerors through Him'
... 'And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering
in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/more than conquerors through him.htm

How the War was Waged against the Ammonites and Happily Concluded.
... They also hired the king of the country called Maacah, and a fourth king,
by name Ishtob; which last had twelve thousand armed men. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the war.htm

Ishtob (2 Occurrences)
...ish'-tob ('ish Tobh, the American Standard Revised Version "the men of Tob"): A
place in Palestine, probably a small kingdom, large enough ...Ishtob (2 Occurrences ...
/i/ishtob.htm - 7k

Ish-tob (2 Occurrences)
Ish-tob. Ishtob, Ish-tob. Ishua . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ISH-TOB. ... (WBS YLT). Ishtob, Ish-tob. Ishua . Reference Bible.
/i/ish-tob.htm - 7k

Bene-ammon (44 Occurrences)
... Bene-Ammon send and hire Aram of Beth-Rehob, and Aram of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen,
and the king of Maacah 'with' a thousand men, and Ish-Tob 'with' twelve ...
/b/bene-ammon.htm - 20k

Ishshiah (3 Occurrences)

/i/ishshiah.htm - 7k

Ishua (1 Occurrence)

/i/ishua.htm - 6k

Ish
... ISH. ('ish): In the following Hebrew proper names, a prefix meaning "man of," or,
collectively, "men of": Ish-bosheth, Ishhod, Ish-tob (but the Revised Version ...
/i/ish.htm - 7k

Bethrehob (2 Occurrences)
... sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand
footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. ...
/b/bethrehob.htm - 8k

Abhorred (31 Occurrences)
... Bene-Ammon send and hire Aram of Beth-Rehob, and Aram of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen,
and the king of Maacah 'with' a thousand men, and Ish-Tob 'with' twelve ...
/a/abhorred.htm - 16k

Stank (6 Occurrences)
... sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand
footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. ...
/s/stank.htm - 8k

What is the story of David and Ish-Bosheth? | GotQuestions.org

Who were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Abner and Joab? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus