Shobach, also referred to as Shophach, is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the military conflicts between the Israelites and the Arameans. He is identified as a commander of the army of Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, a region in Aram (modern-day Syria). The accounts of Shobach are found in two parallel passages: 2 Samuel 10 and 1 Chronicles 19.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 10:16-18 : "Hadadezer sent word and brought out the Arameans from beyond the Euphrates. They came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. The Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him. But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there."

2. 1 Chronicles 19:16-18 : "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. When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and advanced against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of the army."

Historical and Theological Context:

Shobach's role as a military leader under Hadadezer places him in the broader narrative of Israel's conflicts with neighboring nations during the reign of King David. The Arameans, under Hadadezer, were a significant power in the region, and their alliance with the Ammonites against Israel is a testament to the geopolitical tensions of the time.

The defeat of Shobach and his forces by David's army is a demonstration of God's favor upon Israel and David's leadership. The victory over the Arameans, despite their numerical strength and strategic alliances, underscores the biblical theme of divine intervention and support for Israel against its adversaries.

Name Variations:

The variation in the name—Shobach in 2 Samuel and Shophach in 1 Chronicles—reflects the transliteration differences that can occur in ancient texts. Despite this variation, both accounts describe the same individual and event, highlighting the consistency of the biblical narrative across different books.

Significance:

Shobach's defeat is significant not only as a military victory but also as a theological affirmation of God's covenant with David. It serves as a reminder of the divine protection and guidance provided to Israel during times of conflict. The narrative of Shobach's defeat is a testament to the power and sovereignty of God over the nations, a recurring theme throughout the biblical text.1 Chronicles 19:16,18
And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.
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