Bible Dictionary
Shobal
Shobal was the name of a Horite leader descended from Seir and of Calebite or Judahite men in later genealogies.
Definition
Shobal is the name of several genealogical figures. He was a son of Seir the Horite and a Horite clan leader; another Shobal was a son of Caleb and descendant of Hur; and a further reference identifies a Judahite Shobal, possibly the same Calebite figure.
Biblical Usage
Shobal appears in the genealogies of Seir and Edom and in the genealogies of Caleb, Hur, and Judah. The references distinguish or possibly connect these persons according to the genealogical records.
Historical Background
The Edomite Shobal is described as a “duke,” or clan leader, while the Calebite Shobal is associated with Kiriath-jearim, possibly as its father or ancestral founder.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Pilgrim. (1.) The second son of Seir the Horite; one of the Horite “dukes” (Gen. 36:20). (2.) One of the sons of Caleb, and a descendant of Hur (1 Chr. 2:50, 52; 4:1, 2).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(flowing).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sho'-bal (shobhal, "overflowing"; Sobal, with variants):</p><p>(1) An Edomite name mentioned in connection with Lotan, Zibeon and Anah, as that of a "son" of Seir (Ge 36:20), the father of a clan (Ge 36:23), and a Horite "duke" ('alluph) (Ge 36:29; 1Ch 1:38,40).</p><p>(2) A Calebite, the father (possibly of the inhabitants) of Kiriath-jearim (1Ch 2:50,52).</p><p>(3) A Judahite, perhaps to be identified with (2) above (1Ch 4:1 f).</p>