Interesting Facts

• Jobab is identified as one of the sons of Joktan.
• His name is included in the genealogical records that trace the descendants of Shem following the great flood.

Genealogy

• Father: Joktan.
• He is listed as one of the twelve sons of Joktan, and his brothers include Almodad, Sheleph/Shelaf, Hazarmaveth/Chazarmoveth, Jerah/Yerach, Hadoram/Hadurom, Uzal/Ozel, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, and Havilah.

Historical Context

As a descendant of Joktan, Jobab’s existence must be understood within the historical context following the great flood and the subsequent division and scattering of humanity from the land of Shinar after the construction of the Tower of Babel. The birth of Joktan is placed around the year 1772 A.M., a period when the lifespan of humankind was reportedly diminishing. Consequently, Jobab, as a son of Joktan, would have been born into a world undergoing repopulation and the establishment of distinct communities, each with its own language and customs. The territory allocated to Joktan and his sons extended “from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east”, suggesting their settlement in the eastern regions. This era also witnessed the rise of figures like Nimrod in Shinar, who initiated the building of cities and exerted his dominion. Furthermore, the influence of malevolent spirits seeking to lead humanity astray and the onset of conflicts among the descendants of Noah are noted characteristics of this post-Babel period.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Jobab, the son of Joktan, within the provided ancient texts, is essentially limited to his inclusion in the genealogical lists. He is mentioned solely as one of the twelve sons born to Joktan, thus establishing his place within the extensive lineage originating from Shem following the great flood and the incident at the Tower of Babel. The sources do not ascribe any specific actions, pronouncements, or personal history to Jobab. His existence is documented through his familial relationship with his father, Joktan, and his position among his eleven brothers. As one of the sons enumerated, he is part of the family unit that settled in the eastern territories after the dispersal from Shinar. While the broader historical context describes a transformative era marked by migrations, the development of distinct societies, and the diversification of language and culture, Jobab’s individual role or experiences during this time are not recounted within these sources. Therefore, his significance in these texts rests primarily in his place within the genealogical framework as a descendant of Shem, contributing to the repopulation and diversification of the earth in the world after the flood and the confusion of tongues.