Bible Dictionary
Shobach
Shobach was commander of the Syrian army under Hadarezer. David defeated him and the forces of Syria east of the Euphrates.
Definition
Shobach was the general or captain of the Syrian army under Hadarezer, king of the Syrians of Zoba. He mustered forces from beyond the Euphrates and was defeated by David. The name also appears in the form Shophach.
Biblical Usage
Shobach commanded the Syrian host in the conflict recorded in 2 Samuel 10. David defeated him and the forces under his command.
Historical Background
The battle occurred when Hadarezer gathered his vassals and tributaries from beyond the Euphrates. The account is dated in the supplied material to about 1034 B.C.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Poured out, the “captain of the host of Hadarezer” when he mustered his vassals and tributaries from beyond “the river Euphrates” (2 Sam. 10:15-18); called also Shophach (1 Chr. 19:16).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(expansion), the general of Hadarezer king of the Syrians of Zoba, who was defeated by David. (2 Samuel 10:15-18) In (1 Chronicles 19:16) he is called Shophach. (B.C. 1034.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sho'-bak (shobhakh; Sobak): Captain of the Syrian host (2Sa 10:16,18); but "Shophach" (shophakh) in 1Ch 19:16,18.</p>