Jobab: Son of Joktan
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Jobab, a descendant of Shem, is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis. He is identified as one of the sons of Joktan, who was a great-grandson of Shem, the son of Noah. The lineage of Joktan is significant as it traces the origins of various tribes and peoples in the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:

Jobab is mentioned in the Book of Genesis, specifically in the genealogical records that outline the descendants of Shem. The relevant passage is found in Genesis 10:26-29 :

"Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan."

This passage situates Jobab within the Table of Nations, a genealogical record that details the descendants of Noah's sons and their spread across the earth after the Flood. Jobab, along with his brothers, is part of the lineage that is believed to have settled in the region that would later be known as Arabia.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The descendants of Joktan, including Jobab, are traditionally associated with the Arabian Peninsula. The names listed alongside Jobab, such as Sheba and Ophir, are linked to regions known for their wealth and trade in antiquity. This association suggests that Jobab and his kin were part of the early Semitic peoples who contributed to the development of trade networks and cultural exchanges in the ancient Near East.

The genealogical record in Genesis serves not only as a historical account but also as a theological statement about the unity and diversity of humanity under God's creation. The descendants of Joktan, including Jobab, are part of the broader narrative that illustrates the spread of nations and the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1).

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Jobab in the genealogies underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises through the line of Shem. The genealogies in Genesis are not merely historical records but are imbued with theological meaning, highlighting the unfolding of God's plan for humanity. Jobab, as a descendant of Shem, is part of the lineage that ultimately leads to the patriarch Abraham, through whom God would establish a covenant and bring blessings to all nations.

In summary, Jobab, the son of Joktan, is a figure rooted in the genealogical and theological framework of the Bible. His mention in the Scriptures serves as a testament to the spread of the Semitic peoples and the unfolding of God's divine plan through the generations.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 10:29
And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:23
And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
3103. Yobab -- a son of Joktan, also his desc., also two non-Isr. ...
... also two Benjamites. Transliteration: Yobab Phonetic Spelling: (yo-bawb') Short
Definition: Jobab. Word Origin from yabab Definition a son of Joktan, also his ...
/hebrew/3103.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter x
... to suppose that Shem was the youngest son of Noah ... And Joktan begat Almodad and Sheleph
and Hazarmaveth and ... and Sheba; and Ophir and Havilah and Jobab; all these ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

[Endnotes]
... fifth Philip, the ninth James the son of Alpheus ... Peleg, Gether,"Sabtah, Lehabim,
Jebusite, Joktan, Mash. ... Obal, " Abimael, " Sheba, " Ophir, " Havilah, " Jobab. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Resources
Who are Semites? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Jobab

Jobab: A King of Edom

Jobab: A King of Madon

Jobab: Name of Two Benjamites of Whom Little is Known

Jobab: Son of Joktan

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Jobab: Name of Two Benjamites of Whom Little is Known
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