Zobah
LocationsGeographical Setting
An Aramean kingdom situated in the region of Damascus during the Iron Age.
What is the meaning of Zobah in the Bible?
Zobah was an Aramean kingdom located in northern Syria that engaged in military conflicts with the early Israelite monarchy, notably suffering defeats by King David against its ruler Hadadezer.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Zobah provides historical context for the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, clarifying the external military pressures faced by Israel during the transition from the period of the judges to the united monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Zobah (located near modern Northern Syria, near the Anti-Lebanon Mountains) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zobah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zobah clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Zobah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zobah/