Ishtob
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ishtob in the Bible?
Ishtob was a resident of Tob, a small polity located within the broader region of Aram. He is mentioned in the biblical narrative as an envoy sent to King David.
SIGNIFICANCE
The mention of Ishtob provides geographical insight into the fragmented nature of the Aramean city-states during the Iron Age. It highlights the diplomatic interactions between the Kingdom of Israel and the Syrian territories.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ishtob reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ishtob in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ishtob clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ishtob." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ishtob/