Shobi is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's reign. He is noted for his loyalty and support to David during a critical period of the king's life. Shobi's actions are recorded in the Second Book of Samuel, where he is identified as the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites.

Biblical Context and Background

Shobi appears in the narrative during the time of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. As David fled Jerusalem to escape Absalom's uprising, he and his followers found themselves in need of sustenance and support. It is in this context that Shobi, along with others, provided essential aid to David and his people.

Scriptural Reference

The primary reference to Shobi is found in 2 Samuel 17:27-29 :

"When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim brought beds, basins, and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, 'The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.'"

Role and Significance

Shobi's role is significant as it highlights the support David received from unexpected allies during a time of personal and political crisis. As an Ammonite, Shobi's assistance is particularly noteworthy given the historical tensions between Israel and the Ammonites. His actions demonstrate a breaking of ethnic and political barriers, showcasing a moment of unity and compassion.

Family and Lineage

Shobi is identified as the son of Nahash. Nahash is a name associated with the Ammonite king who had previously shown kindness to David. This familial connection may have influenced Shobi's decision to support David, reflecting a continuation of amicable relations between David and certain Ammonite factions.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Shobi's support of David can be seen as an example of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to protect and sustain His anointed king. Shobi's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of loyalty and the impact of individual contributions to God's overarching plan.

Historical and Cultural Insights

The account of Shobi provides insight into the complex political landscape of the time, where alliances could transcend national and ethnic boundaries. It also reflects the cultural practices of hospitality and support for those in need, which were highly valued in the ancient Near Eastern context.

In summary, Shobi's brief but impactful appearance in the biblical narrative underscores themes of loyalty, divine provision, and the breaking down of barriers for the sake of God's purposes. His contribution to David's cause during a time of distress is a testament to the unexpected ways in which God can provide for His people.Shobi

(glorious) son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon. (2 Samuel 17:27) He was one of the first to meet David at Mahanaim on his flight from Absalom. (B.C. 1023.)

Captor, son of Nahash of Rabbah, the Ammonite. He showed kindness to David when he fled from Jerusalem to Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:27). SHOBI

sho'-bi (shobhi; Ouesbei): One of those who remained faithful to David during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27).

UNPARDONABLE SIN

un-par'-dn-a-bl.

See BLASPHEMY.

7629. Shobi -- appar. an Ammonite prince
... 7628b, 7629. Shobi. 7630 . appar. an Ammonite prince. Transliteration:
Shobi Phonetic Spelling: (sho-bee') Short Definition: Shobi. ...
/hebrew/7629.htm - 6k

Barzillai
... Shobi the son of Nahash, and Machir the son of Ammiel, and Barzillai the Gileadite
of Rogelim, brought beds, and cups, and wheat, and barley, and honey, and ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/barzillai.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... In the after days of Absalom's rebellion we find David entertained in Gilead by
Shobi the brother of Hanun;[6] it may be, therefore, that Hanun had had a rival ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Shobi (1 Occurrence)
...SHOBI. sho'-bi (shobhi; Ouesbei): One of those who remained faithful to David during
the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27). ...Shobi (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shobi.htm - 7k

Nahash (9 Occurrences)
... His son Shobi, with other trans-Jordanic chieftains, welcomed David at Mahanaim
with sympathy and substantial gifts when the old king was fleeing before his ...
/n/nahash.htm - 14k

Lo-debar (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:27 Now when David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi, the son of Nahash of
Rabbah, the Ammonite, and Machir, the son of Ammiel of Lo-debar, and Barzillai ...
/l/lo-debar.htm - 9k

Lodebar (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:27 It happened, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son
of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of ...
/l/lodebar.htm - 9k

Gileadite (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:27 It happened, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son
of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of ...
/g/gileadite.htm - 9k

Ro'gelim (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:27 It happened, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son
of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of ...
/r/ro'gelim.htm - 6k

Rogelim (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:27 It happened, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son
of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of ...
/r/rogelim.htm - 7k

Debar (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:27 It happened, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son
of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of ...
/d/debar.htm - 7k

Makir (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:27 It happened, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son
of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of ...
/m/makir.htm - 11k

Mahana'im (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi
the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of ...
/m/mahana'im.htm - 9k

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