Shophach is a military figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's battles against the Arameans. He is identified as a commander of the army of Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, a region in Aram (modern-day Syria). Shophach's role is highlighted in the narrative of David's military campaigns, which are part of the broader biblical theme of the establishment and expansion of the Israelite kingdom under David's leadership.

Biblical References:

Shophach is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 19:16-18. The passage describes a significant battle between the Israelites and the Arameans. After the initial defeat of the Arameans by David's forces, they regroup and bring in reinforcements from beyond the Euphrates River, led by Shophach:

"When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring out the Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them." (1 Chronicles 19:16)

The narrative continues to describe how David, upon hearing of this new threat, gathers all Israel and crosses the Jordan to confront the Arameans. The ensuing battle results in a decisive victory for David's forces:

"But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army." (1 Chronicles 19:18)

Historical and Theological Context:

The account of Shophach and the battles against the Arameans is part of the larger narrative of David's military successes, which are seen as divinely sanctioned efforts to secure Israel's borders and establish peace in the region. These victories are often interpreted as a fulfillment of God's promises to David, ensuring the stability and prosperity of Israel under his rule.

Shophach's defeat and death at the hands of David's forces underscore the theme of God's favor upon Israel and His chosen king. The narrative serves to highlight the superiority of Israel's God over the deities of the surrounding nations, as well as the effectiveness of David's leadership and military strategy.

Cultural and Geopolitical Significance:

The mention of Shophach and the battles with the Arameans reflects the geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East, where small kingdoms and city-states frequently engaged in warfare to assert dominance and control over trade routes and territories. The Arameans, with their strategic location and military capabilities, were significant adversaries for Israel during this period.

The defeat of Shophach and the Aramean forces not only secured Israel's northern borders but also demonstrated the emerging power of David's kingdom. This victory contributed to the establishment of Israel as a formidable regional power, setting the stage for the subsequent reign of Solomon and the expansion of Israel's influence.

Conclusion:

While the biblical account of Shophach is brief, it is a crucial element in the narrative of David's reign, illustrating the themes of divine providence, military prowess, and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Shophach's role as a commander in the service of Hadadezer highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern political landscape and the challenges faced by Israel in its quest for security and stability.Shophach

pouring out

Shophach

(expansion), Shobach, the general of Hadarezer. (1 Chronicles 19:16,18) (B.C. 1034.)

SHOPHACH

sho'-fak.

See SHOBACH.

7780. Shophak -- an Aramean (Syrian) general
... 7779, 7780. Shophak. 7781 . an Aramean (Syrian) general. Transliteration: Shophak
Phonetic Spelling: (sho-fawk') Short Definition: Shophach. ... Shophach. ...
/hebrew/7780.htm - 6kShophach (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHOPHACH. sho'-fak. See SHOBACH.
Multi-Version Concordance Shophach (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles ...
/s/shophach.htm - 7k

Shobach (2 Occurrences)
... the host of Hadarezer" when he mustered his vassals and tributaries from beyond
"the river Euphrates" (2 Samuel 10:15-18); called also Shophach (1 Chronicles 19 ...
/s/shobach.htm - 7k

Aramaeans (49 Occurrences)
... when the Aramaeans saw that Israel had overcome them, they sent men to get the
Aramaeans who were on the other side of the River, with Shophach, the captain of ...
/a/aramaeans.htm - 23k

Arameans (61 Occurrences)
... saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew
forth the Syrians that were beyond the River, with Shophach the captain of ...
/a/arameans.htm - 26k

Commander (111 Occurrences)
... when the Aramaeans saw that Israel had overcome them, they sent men to get the
Aramaeans who were on the other side of the River, with Shophach, the captain of ...
/c/commander.htm - 37k

40000 (3 Occurrences)
... The Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed of the Syrians the men of seven
thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain ...
/num/40000.htm - 7k

Footmen (13 Occurrences)
... The Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed of the Syrians the men of seven
thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain ...
/f/footmen.htm - 11k

Routed (25 Occurrences)
... when the Syrians saw that they were routed before Israel, they sent messengers,
and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river; and Shophach the captain ...
/r/routed.htm - 13k

Charioteers (19 Occurrences)
... 19:18 and Aram fleeth from the face of Israel, and David slayeth of Aram seven thousand
charioteers, and forty thousand footmen, and Shophach head of the host ...
/c/charioteers.htm - 12k

Aramaean (13 Occurrences)
... before Israel; and David put to the sword the men of seven thousand Aramaean
war-carriages and forty thousand footmen, and put to death Shophach, the captain ...
/a/aramaean.htm - 10k

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