Shobek is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name "Shobek" appears in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts of Nehemiah and the Israelites to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the community after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Reference:

Shobek is listed among the leaders of the people who signed the covenant in Nehemiah 10. This chapter outlines the commitment of the Israelites to follow the Law of God as given through Moses, after the reading of the Law by Ezra. The signing of the covenant was a significant moment of rededication to the Lord, emphasizing the community's desire to live according to God's commandments and separate themselves from the surrounding nations.

Nehemiah 10:24 mentions Shobek as one of the leaders: "The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, Ahijah, Hanan, Anan, Malluch, Harim, and Baanah."

Historical and Theological Context:

The inclusion of Shobek in this list highlights his role as a leader among the Israelites during a pivotal time in their history. The covenant renewal was a response to the spiritual and social challenges faced by the returned exiles. It was a reaffirmation of their identity as God's chosen people and a commitment to uphold the distinctiveness of their faith and practices.

Theologically, the act of signing the covenant was an expression of repentance and a desire for spiritual renewal. It underscored the importance of community leadership in guiding the people back to faithfulness. Leaders like Shobek played a crucial role in this process, serving as examples and representatives of the people's collective commitment to God.

Name Meaning and Significance:

The name "Shobek" is of uncertain etymology, but like many biblical names, it may carry a meaning that reflects the character or role of the individual. In the context of the covenant renewal, Shobek's inclusion signifies his importance in the community and his dedication to the spiritual and social restoration of Israel.

Conservative Christian Perspective:

From a conservative Christian viewpoint, the account of Shobek and the covenant renewal in Nehemiah serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continual dedication to God's Word and the importance of godly leadership. It highlights the significance of community in the life of faith and the necessity of returning to foundational truths in times of spiritual drift. The example of Shobek and his contemporaries encourages believers to uphold their commitments to God and to seek His guidance in rebuilding and restoring their lives according to His will.Shobek

made void; forsaken

Shobek

(free), one of the heads of the people who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:24) (B.C. 446.)

SHOBEK

sho'-bek (shobheq; Sobek): One of those who sealed the covenant under Nehemiah after the Babylonian captivity (Nehemiah 10:24).

7733. Shobeq -- one who signed Nehemiah's covenant
... 7732, 7733. Shobeq. 7734 . one who signed Nehemiah's covenant. Transliteration:
Shobeq Phonetic Spelling: (sho-bake') Short Definition: Shobek. ... Shobek. ...
/hebrew/7733.htm - 6kShobek (1 Occurrence)
...SHOBEK. sho'-bek (shobheq; Sobek): One of those who sealed the covenant under Nehemiah
after the Babylonian captivity (Nehemiah 10:24). ...Shobek (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shobek.htm - 6k

Shobal (9 Occurrences)

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Gebal (3 Occurrences)
... It is a hilly region, as the modern name signifies, and includes the towns of Shobek
and Tolfieh. H. Porter. Multi-Version Concordance Gebal (3 Occurrences). ...
/g/gebal.htm - 11k

Pi'lha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pi'lha (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 10:24 Hallohesh, Pilha,
Shobek, (See RSV). Pilha, Pi'lha. Pill . Reference Bible.
/p/pi'lha.htm - 6k

Pileha (1 Occurrence)
... PILEHA. pil'-e-ha, pi'-le-ha. See PILHA. Multi-Version Concordance Pileha (1
Occurrence). Nehemiah 10:24 Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek, (KJV WBS). ...
/p/pileha.htm - 6k

Pilha (1 Occurrence)
... 10:24). Multi-Version Concordance Pilha (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 10:24
Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS NIV). ...
/p/pilha.htm - 6k

Shobi (1 Occurrence)

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Hallohesh (2 Occurrences)
... his daughters. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). Nehemiah 10:24 Hallohesh,
Pilha, Shobek, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/h/hallohesh.htm - 7k

Hallo'hesh (2 Occurrences)
... and his daughters. (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek; (See
RSV). Hallohesh, Hallo'hesh. Hallow . Reference Bible.
/h/hallo'hesh.htm - 6k

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