Meshobab
Jump to: ISBEConcordanceThesaurusHebrewSubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Meshobab is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. His name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Chronicles. The name "Meshobab" is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively known, it is often interpreted as "restorer" or "one who returns."

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 4:34 : Meshobab is listed among the descendants of Simeon, a tribe that was part of the southern kingdom of Judah. The verse states: "Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah the son of Amaziah." This passage is part of a larger genealogical record that traces the lineage and settlements of the tribe of Simeon. The inclusion of Meshobab in this list highlights his role as a member of this tribe, which was known for its close association with Judah.

Historical and Theological Context:

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve several purposes. They provide a historical record of the tribes of Israel, affirming the continuity of God's covenant with His people. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies were crucial in re-establishing identity and heritage after the Babylonian exile. Meshobab's mention, though brief, contributes to this larger narrative of restoration and continuity.

The tribe of Simeon, to which Meshobab belonged, was initially allocated land within the territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). Over time, Simeon's identity became closely intertwined with Judah, and its members were often absorbed into the larger tribe. This historical context underscores the significance of genealogical records in maintaining tribal identities and familial connections.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In the biblical tradition, names often carry significant meaning, reflecting the character or destiny of individuals. While the specific deeds or life events of Meshobab are not detailed in the biblical text, his inclusion in the genealogical record suggests a role in the preservation of tribal heritage. The name "Meshobab," interpreted as "restorer," may symbolically represent the hope of restoration and return, themes prevalent in the post-exilic period when Chronicles was likely compiled.

The genealogies in Chronicles, including the mention of Meshobab, also serve a theological purpose. They emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant people, despite their historical challenges and failures. By recording the names and lineages of individuals like Meshobab, the Chronicler reinforces the idea that every member of God's people has a place in His divine plan.

Conclusion:

Meshobab's brief mention in the Bible, while not accompanied by detailed narratives or exploits, is part of the rich tapestry of Israel's history. His inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of lineage and identity in the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel and their role in God's redemptive history.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MESHOBAB

me-sho'-bab (meshobhabh): A Simeonite (1 Chronicles 4:34). This name heads the list of those who, for the sake of wider pasturelands, occupied a Hamitic settlement in the neighborhood of Gerar (Mount GEDOR (which see)), and a Maonite settlement in Edomite territory (1 Chronicles 4:39-41). The latter event is dated in the days of Hezekiah (see Curtis, Chronicles, in the place cited.).

Strong's Hebrew
4877. Meshobab -- a Simeonite
... 4876, 4877. Meshobab. 4878 . a Simeonite. Transliteration: Meshobab Phonetic
Spelling: (mesh-o-bawb') Short Definition: Meshobab. ...
/hebrew/4877.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Meshobab (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MESHOBAB. me-sho'-bab (meshobhabh): A Simeonite
(1 Chronicles 4:34). ... Multi-Version Concordance Meshobab (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/meshobab.htm - 7k

Mesho'bab (1 Occurrence)
Mesho'bab. Meshobab, Mesho'bab. Meshullam . ... Mesho'bab (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles
4:34 And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah; (See RSV). ...
/m/mesho'bab.htm - 6k

Joshah (1 Occurrence)
... Joshah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:34 Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the
son of Amaziah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/joshah.htm - 6k

Jamlech (1 Occurrence)
... Jamlech (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:34 Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the
son of Amaziah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/jamlech.htm - 7k

Meshil'lemoth (2 Occurrences)
Meshil'lemoth. Meshillemoth, Meshil'lemoth. Meshobab . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Meshillemoth, Meshil'lemoth. Meshobab . Reference Bible.
/m/meshil'lemoth.htm - 7k

Amazi'ah (37 Occurrences)
... Jotham his son; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 4:34 And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and
Joshah the son of Amaziah; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 6:45 the ...
/a/amazi'ah.htm - 17k

Amaziah (41 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 4:34 Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles ...
/a/amaziah.htm - 30k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Meshobab (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 4:34
Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Meshobab

Meshobab: A Simeonite

Related Terms

Meshobab (1 Occurrence)

Meshullam (25 Occurrences)

Meshillemoth: Father of an Ephramite Who Protested Against the Attempt of the Israelites to Ensalve Their Captive Brethren
Top of Page
Top of Page