Introduction:
Ishtob is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically within the historical narratives concerning the reign of King David. The name "Ishtob" is often associated with a region or group of people involved in the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East. The term itself is derived from Hebrew, where "Ish" means "man" and "Tob" means "good" or "pleasant," suggesting a possible meaning of "men of Tob" or "good men."

Biblical References:
Ishtob is mentioned in the context of the conflicts between the Israelites and their neighboring nations. The primary reference to Ishtob is found in 2 Samuel 10:6, where it is listed among the allies of the Ammonites in their war against King David. The Berean Standard Bible states: "When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, they sent and 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."

Historical Context:
The mention of Ishtob occurs during a period of intense military activity in the region. The Ammonites, feeling threatened by David's expanding influence, sought to bolster their military strength by forming alliances with neighboring states and groups, including those from Ishtob. This coalition was part of a broader strategy to resist Israelite dominance.

Geographical Considerations:
The exact location of Ishtob is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its rugged terrain and was inhabited by various tribal groups. The people of Tob, or Ishtob, were likely semi-nomadic and engaged in regional power struggles.

Cultural and Political Significance:
The alliance with Ishtob highlights the complex political landscape of the time. The people of Ishtob, like many other groups in the region, were involved in shifting alliances and conflicts that characterized the era. Their involvement in the conflict against Israel underscores the broader resistance to David's consolidation of power.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the narrative involving Ishtob illustrates the challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish a unified kingdom under God's chosen leader, David. The resistance from Ishtob and other groups serves as a backdrop to the unfolding of God's plan for Israel, demonstrating both the opposition to and the eventual triumph of God's purposes through David.

Conclusion:
While Ishtob is a relatively minor player in the biblical narrative, its mention provides insight into the historical and political context of King David's reign. The alliance with the Ammonites against Israel reflects the broader theme of opposition to God's anointed, a recurring motif throughout the biblical text.Ishtob

(men of Tob), apparently one of the small kingdoms or states which formed part of the general country of Aram, named with Zobah, Rehob and Maacah. (2 Samuel 10:6,8)

Man of Tob, one of the small Syrian kingdoms which together constituted Aram (2 Samuel 10:6, 8). ISH-TOB

ish'-tob ('ish Tobh, the American Standard Revised Version "the men of Tob"): A place in Palestine, probably a small kingdom, large enough, however, to supply at least 12,000 men of valor to the children of Ammorn in their struggle against Joab, David's general (2 Samuel 10:6, 8).

See ISH.

How the War was Waged against the Ammonites and Happily Concluded.
... They also hired the king of the country called Maacah, and a fourth king,
by name Ishtob; which last had twelve thousand armed men. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the war.htm

Ishtob (2 Occurrences)
... 8). See ISH. Multi-Version Concordance Ishtob (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel
10:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before ...
/i/ishtob.htm - 7k

Ishshiah (3 Occurrences)

/i/ishshiah.htm - 7k

Ish-tob (2 Occurrences)
Ish-tob. Ishtob, Ish-tob. Ishua . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ISH-TOB. ... (WBS YLT). Ishtob, Ish-tob. Ishua . Reference Bible.
/i/ish-tob.htm - 7k

Bethrehob (2 Occurrences)
... sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand
footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. ...
/b/bethrehob.htm - 8k

Stank (6 Occurrences)
... sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand
footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. ...
/s/stank.htm - 8k

Entering (124 Occurrences)
... 8 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering
in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah ...
/e/entering.htm - 37k

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