Aramzobah
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Introduction:
Aramzobah, also referred to as Zobah, is a significant ancient kingdom mentioned in the Old Testament. It is primarily noted for its interactions and conflicts with the Israelites during the reigns of King Saul and King David. The kingdom of Aramzobah was part of the larger Aramean confederation, which included several city-states in the region of modern-day Syria.

Biblical References:
Aramzobah is mentioned in several passages in the Bible, particularly in the context of military campaigns and territorial expansion. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following references:

1. 1 Samuel 14:47 : "After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side: against Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them." This passage highlights the military prowess of King Saul and his campaigns against Zobah, indicating its significance as a regional power.

2. 2 Samuel 8:3 : "Moreover, David defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when he went to restore his control along the Euphrates River." This verse underscores King David's military success against Zobah, specifically against King Hadadezer, as part of his efforts to secure Israel's borders and expand its influence.

3. 2 Samuel 10:6 : "When the Ammonites realized they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zobah, as well as the king of Maacah with a thousand men, and twelve thousand men from Tob." This passage illustrates the alliances formed by Zobah with other regional powers against Israel, reflecting the complex political landscape of the time.

Historical Context:
Aramzobah was one of the prominent Aramean states during the early Iron Age. The Arameans were a Semitic people who established several kingdoms in the region, including Damascus, Hamath, and Zobah. The kingdom of Zobah was strategically located, likely in the Beqaa Valley or near the Orontes River, which allowed it to exert influence over trade routes and neighboring territories.

Interactions with Israel:
The interactions between Aramzobah and Israel were marked by both conflict and diplomacy. The military campaigns led by Saul and David against Zobah were part of a broader strategy to secure Israel's northern borders and to assert dominance over the surrounding nations. The defeat of Hadadezer by David was particularly significant, as it not only weakened Zobah but also allowed Israel to gain control over key trade routes and territories.

Cultural and Political Significance:
Aramzobah played a crucial role in the regional politics of the ancient Near East. Its alliances and conflicts with other Aramean states and neighboring kingdoms reflect the dynamic and often volatile nature of the period. The kingdom's interactions with Israel are emblematic of the broader struggle for power and influence in the region.

Conclusion:
While the Bible provides limited information about Aramzobah, its mention in the context of Israel's early monarchy highlights its importance as a regional power. The kingdom's military and political activities had a lasting impact on the history and development of the ancient Near East, particularly in relation to the emerging nation of Israel.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Aramzobah

Psal 60:1, title. [ARAM, 1]

Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Psalm 60, title), probably the region between the Euphrates and the Orontes.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ARAM-ZOBAH

a-ram-zo'-ba. See SYRIA.

Thesaurus
Aramzobah (1 Occurrence)
... a-ram-zo'-ba. See SYRIA. Multi-Version Concordance Aramzobah (1 Occurrence). Psalms
60:1 <To the chief music-maker; put to Shushan-eduth. Michtam. Of David. ...
/a/aramzobah.htm - 7k

Eduth (3 Occurrences)
... When he was fighting against Aram-naharaim and Aramzobah, when Joab came back, and
put twelve thousand of the Edomites to death, in the Valley of Salt.> God ...
/e/eduth.htm - 8k

Michtam (12 Occurrences)
... When he was fighting against Aram-naharaim and Aramzobah, when Joab came back, and
put twelve thousand of the Edomites to death, in the Valley of Salt.> God ...
/m/michtam.htm - 11k

Aram-zobah (2 Occurrences)
Aram-zobah. Aramzobah, Aram-zobah. Aran . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... (WBS
YLT RSV). Aramzobah, Aram-zobah. Aran . Reference Bible.
/a/aram-zobah.htm - 7k

Aram-naharaim (5 Occurrences)
... When he was fighting against Aram-naharaim and Aramzobah, when Joab came back, and
put twelve thousand of the Edomites to death, in the Valley of Salt.> God ...
/a/aram-naharaim.htm - 9k

Aram's (1 Occurrence)

/a/aram's.htm - 6k

Shushan-eduth (1 Occurrence)
... When he was fighting against Aram-naharaim and Aramzobah, when Joab came back, and
put twelve thousand of the Edomites to death, in the Valley of Salt.> God ...
/s/shushan-eduth.htm - 7k

Music-maker (55 Occurrences)
... When he was fighting against Aram-naharaim and Aramzobah, when Joab came back, and
put twelve thousand of the Edomites to death, in the Valley of Salt.> God ...
/m/music-maker.htm - 23k

Instruction (117 Occurrences)
... When he was fighting against Aram-naharaim and Aramzobah, when Joab came back, and
put twelve thousand of the Edomites to death, in the Valley of Salt.> God ...
/i/instruction.htm - 35k

Edomites (22 Occurrences)
... When he was fighting against Aram-naharaim and Aramzobah, when Joab came back, and
put twelve thousand of the Edomites to death, in the Valley of Salt.> God ...
/e/edomites.htm - 23k

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