Shobab, Son of Caleb
Who was Shobab, Son of Caleb, in the Bible?
A member of the tribe of Judah and the son of Caleb ben Hezron and Azubah during the Egyptian Sojourn.
This is one of 2 people named Shobab in the Bible. See all 2 →
Shobab, Son of Caleb, was a descendant of Judah who lived during the era of the Egyptian Sojourn and the subsequent transition toward the Wilderness. As a member of the influential clan of Hezron, Shobab represents the burgeoning lineage of the Southern tribes that would eventually dominate the political and spiritual landscape of Israel. His identity is firmly rooted in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, which serve to preserve the continuity of the covenant people during their time in Egypt.
His place within the family of Caleb ben Hezron marks him as part of a vital branch of the tribe of Judah. While his individual exploits are not detailed in the narrative text of the Pentateuch, his inclusion in the chronicler's record signifies his status as a recognized head of a household or a significant figure within the tribal structure that survived the hardships of the Egyptian period.
Background and Family
Shobab is identified in the biblical record as the son of Caleb, the son of Hezron, and his wife Azubah. According to 1 Chronicles 2:18, Shobab was one of three brothers born to this union, alongside Jesher and Ardon. His family lineage is among the most prominent in the tribe of Judah, tracing back to the patriarch Judah through his son Perez and grandson Hezron. This specific branch of the family is central to the chronicler's focus on the development of the Davidic line and the tribal identity of the southern kingdom.
The text notes a potential complexity in the household, mentioning both Azubah and Jerioth in relation to Caleb. However, Shobab is explicitly listed as a son of Azubah. His siblings and half-siblings comprise a vast network of individuals who would go on to populate the regions of Judah, including notable figures such as Hur and Achsah.
Major Life Events
The biblical record for Shobab is confined to the genealogical listings of the tribe of Judah. Consequently, there are no recorded individual actions, speeches, or specific milestones associated with his life beyond his birth and his position within the lineage of Caleb. He lived during the time when Israel was established in Egypt and began its transition into the period of the Exodus. As a member of the generation preceding or contemporary with the Great Exodus, Shobab represents the silent majority of the tribal nobility who maintained the identity of Israel under Egyptian oversight.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Shobab’s primary significance is relational. He is the son of Caleb ben Hezron, a figure who should be distinguished from the later Caleb ben Jephunneh (the famous spy), though both belonged to the same tribe. His brothers, Jesher and Ardon, are mentioned only in connection with him. Through his father, Shobab was part of a sprawling family tree that included prominent figures like Hur, who would later play a critical role during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.
Spiritual Significance
In the context of 1 Chronicles, the mention of Shobab serves a specific theological and historical purpose. The chronicler emphasizes the preservation of the tribe of Judah and the integrity of the family units within it. Shobab’s name, which can be translated as "rebellious" or "backsliding" in certain Hebrew contexts, stands in the record as a testament to the individual lives that constituted the nation of Israel. Even without a narrative of his own, his presence in the holy text affirms that every member of the covenant family was known and recorded by the community of faith. He represents the continuity of the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as it moved through the dark years of the Egyptian stay toward the light of the Promised Land.
Shobab’s significance lies in his role as a link in the genealogical chain of the tribe of Judah. In the post-exilic period when 1 Chronicles was compiled, such records were vital for establishing tribal land claims and priestly or royal legitimacy. His inclusion ensures the historical continuity of the Calebite clan within the broader identity of Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shobab’s father?
Shobab was the son of Caleb, the son of Hezron, from the tribe of Judah.
Which book of the Bible mentions Shobab?
Shobab is mentioned only in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapter 2, verse 18.
Who were Shobab’s brothers?
According to 1 Chronicles 2:18, his brothers were Jesher and Ardon.
What does the name Shobab mean?
The Hebrew name Shobab (שׁוֹבָב) is often translated as 'rebellious' or 'backsliding'.
Was Shobab a son of King David?
No, this Shobab was the son of Caleb ben Hezron. A different person named Shobab was a son of King David.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Azubah, Wife of CalebMother1 Chronicles 2:18Stated
Caleb, Son of HezronFather1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
1 Chronicles 2:18 lists Caleb and Shobab among the sons of azubah, but does not say how the two of them are related.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Shobab, Son of CalebThis page
Hur of the Tribe of JudahBrother1 Chronicles 2:18–19Stated
Acsah, Daughter of Caleb ben HezronSister1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
No verse names Shobab and Achsah together; the sister link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
ArdonBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Stated
Gazez, Grandson of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Moza and Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Gazez to Moza; 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Moza to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Gazez and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
GeshanBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Shaaph and Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Geshan to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Geshan and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Haran, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Haran to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Haran and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
JesherBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Stated
Jotham, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb and Shaaph: 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Shobab to Caleb (itself an inferred link); 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Caleb to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Shaaph to Jotham. No verse states the brother link between Shobab and Jotham directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Mesha, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Shobab to Caleb (itself an inferred link); 1 Chronicles 2:42 ties Caleb to Mesha. No verse states the brother link between Shobab and Mesha directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Moza, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Moza to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Moza and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Pelet, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb and Shaaph: 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Shobab to Caleb (itself an inferred link); 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Caleb to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Shaaph to Pelet. No verse states the brother link between Shobab and Pelet directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
RegemBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Shaaph and Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Regem to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Regem and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Shaaph, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Shaaph and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Shaaph, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Shaaph and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
SheberBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:48 ties Sheber to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Sheber and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
ShevaBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Shobab to Caleb (itself an inferred link); 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Caleb to Sheva. No verse states the brother link between Shobab and Sheva directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
TirhanahBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:48 ties Tirhanah to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Tirhanah and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Connected Figures
Family
Mother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
The first wife of Caleb son of Hezron and the mother of Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon during the Egypt and Wilderness era's ancestral lineage.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:182 versesMatriarchJudah
Father · 1 Chronicles 2:18
A prominent descendant of Judah and son of Hezron, Caleb was a foundational figure in the genealogical expansion of the Tribe of Judah during the Egyptian and wilderness eras.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18–19
A prominent leader of the tribe of Judah who supported Moses' hands during the battle against Amalek and served as a temporary leader of Israel.
Sister · 1 Chronicles 2:18
A daughter of Caleb, son of Hezron, belonging to the tribe of Judah during the period of the Egyptian sojourn and the wilderness wanderings.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
A descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb and a member of the generation that experienced the transition from the Egyptian sojourn to the wilderness wanderings.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
Gazez was a member of the tribe of Judah during the Egypt and Wilderness era, identified as the son of Haran and a descendant of Caleb.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
A descendant of the tribe of Judah listed among the sons of Jahdai in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:4710 versesTribal leader or head of householdJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
A member of the tribe of Judah, Haran was the son of Caleb and Ephah, and the father of Gazez during the period of Israel's growth.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
Jesher was a descendant of Judah and the first-named son of Caleb, son of Hezron, and his wife Azubah.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
A member of the tribe of Judah and descendant of Caleb, listed as the second son of Jahdai in the genealogical records of the Egypt and Wilderness era.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
Mesha was the firstborn son of Caleb ben Hezron within the tribe of Judah during the era of the Egyptian Sojourn and Wilderness.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:4210 versesProgenitorJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
Moza was a descendant of the tribe of Judah, the son of the prominent leader Caleb and his concubine Ephah.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles7
Scripture References
All 7 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 7
- 1 Chronicles 2:18
Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah and by Jerioth. These were the sons of Azubah: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.
- 1 Chronicles 2:19Partial
When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore to him Hur.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:42Partial
The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel: Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph, and Mareshah his second son, who was the father of Hebron.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:46Partial
Caleb’s concubine Ephah was the mother of Haran, Moza, and Gazez. Haran was the father of Gazez.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:47Partial
The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:48Partial
Caleb’s concubine Maacah was the mother of Sheber and Tirhanah.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:49Partial
She was also the mother of Shaaph father of Madmannah, and of Sheva father of Machbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Acsah.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
Others Named Shobab
Compare all 2 bearers →Shobab, Son of David2 Samuel 5:14
Shobab was a son of King David and Bathsheba, born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy of Israel.