Introduction:
Aram-zobah, often referred to simply as Zobah, is a significant ancient Aramean kingdom mentioned in the Old Testament. It played a crucial role in the geopolitical landscape of the Near East during the time of the United Monarchy of Israel. The kingdom is primarily noted for its interactions and conflicts with King David, as recorded in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:
Aram-zobah is mentioned in several passages within the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. The kingdom is first introduced in the context of King Saul's reign, but it becomes more prominent during the reign of King David.

1. Conflict with King David:
The most notable biblical account involving Aram-zobah is its conflict with King David. In 2 Samuel 8:3-8 , it is recorded that David defeated Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, as he went to restore his control at the Euphrates River. This victory is significant as it expanded David's influence and secured his borders. The passage states: "David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his control at the Euphrates River. David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses except a hundred he kept for himself."

2. Alliances and Further Conflicts:
Aram-zobah also formed alliances with other regional powers, such as the Ammonites, to resist Israelite expansion. In 2 Samuel 10:6-19 , the narrative describes how the Ammonites hired Aramean forces from Zobah and other regions to fight against David. However, David's forces, led by Joab and Abishai, defeated the coalition, further solidifying Israel's dominance.

3. Role in Solomon's Reign:
During King Solomon's reign, Aram-zobah is mentioned in the context of Solomon's extensive trade and military activities. Although the kingdom's power had waned following David's victories, it remained a part of the broader Aramean region that interacted with Israel.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Aram-zobah was located in the region of modern-day Syria, likely in the vicinity of the Beqaa Valley and extending towards the Euphrates River. The kingdom was one of several Aramean states that emerged following the decline of the Hittite Empire and the weakening of Egyptian influence in the region. Zobah's strategic location made it a significant player in the power dynamics of the ancient Near East.

Cultural and Political Significance:
The kingdom of Aram-zobah was known for its military prowess and chariotry, as evidenced by the biblical accounts of its conflicts with Israel. The interactions between Zobah and Israel highlight the complex relationships between the emerging Israelite state and its neighbors. These narratives also underscore the theme of divine favor and covenantal promises, as David's victories are often attributed to God's support for Israel.

Conclusion:
While Aram-zobah eventually diminished in power, its interactions with Israel during the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon provide valuable insights into the historical and theological context of the biblical narrative. The accounts of Zobah's conflicts with Israel serve as a testament to the challenges and triumphs faced by the United Monarchy in establishing its dominance in the region.(Psalm 60, title), probably the region between the Euphrates and the Orontes. ARAM-ZOBAH

a-ram-zo'-ba. See SYRIA.

760. Aram Tsobah -- Aram-zobah
Aram Tsobah. 759, 760. Aram Tsobah. 761 . Aram-zobah. Transliteration: Aram
Tsobah Phonetic Spelling: (ar-am' tso-baw') Short Definition: Aram-zobah. ... Aram-zobah ...
/hebrew/760.htm - 6k

Psalm 60
... To the chief Musician upon Shushan-eduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove
with Aram-naharaim, and with Aram-zobah, when Joab returned and smote of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 60.htm

Aramzobah (1 Occurrence)
... Orontes. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARAM-ZOBAH. a-ram-zo'-ba. See SYRIA.
Multi-Version Concordance Aramzobah (1 Occurrence). Psalms ...
/a/aramzobah.htm - 7k

Aram-zobah (2 Occurrences)
Aram-zobah. Aramzobah, Aram-zobah. Aran . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... (WBS
YLT RSV). Aramzobah, Aram-zobah. Aran . Reference Bible.
/a/aram-zobah.htm - 7k

Zobah (15 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary =Aram-Zobah, (Psalm 60 ... (3) Geographical Position. We can
now consider the vexed question of the situation and extent of Aram-zobah. ...
/z/zobah.htm - 15k

Eduth (3 Occurrences)
... to teach; and when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab ... When
he was fighting against Aram-naharaim and Aramzobah, when Joab came back ...
/e/eduth.htm - 8k

Michtam (12 Occurrences)
... to teach; and when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab ... When
he was fighting against Aram-naharaim and Aramzobah, when Joab came back ...
/m/michtam.htm - 11k

Syria (73 Occurrences)
... Other portions of Syria were also known by separate names, as Aram-maahah (1 Chronicles
19:6), Aram-beth-rehob (2 Samuel 10:6), Aram-zobah (2 Samuel 10:6, 8 ...
/s/syria.htm - 60k

Aran (2 Occurrences)

/a/aran.htm - 8k

Musician (112 Occurrences)
... Michtam of David, to teach; and when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with
Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the Valley of Salt twelve ...
/m/musician.htm - 39k

Naharaim (5 Occurrences)
... To the tune of "The Lily of the Covenant." A teaching poem by David, when he fought
with Aram Naharaim and with AramZobah, and Joab returned, and killed ...
/n/naharaim.htm - 8k

Tune (15 Occurrences)
... To the tune of "The Lily of the Covenant." A teaching poem by David, when he fought
with Aram Naharaim and with AramZobah, and Joab returned, and killed ...
/t/tune.htm - 12k

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