Interesting Facts

• Shobal is identified as one of the sons of Seir the Horite, who were inhabitants of the land of Seir.
• Shobal is listed as one of the dukes of the Horites in the land of Edom.

Genealogy

• Shobal’s father was Seir the Horite.
• His siblings included Lotan, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.
• Shobal’s children were Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

Historical Context

Shobal lived in the land of Seir, also known as Edom, during the period when the Horites were the inhabitants of this territory. The sources place the birth of Seir’s children between the years 2087 and 2107 AM. This timeframe situates Shobal’s life in the generations following Abraham and during the early period of Isaac’s life. The cultural context of the Horites is indicated by their establishment as inhabitants of the land and the designation of some of Seir’s sons, including Shobal, as “dukes”. The broader narrative focus of these excerpts during this period tends to center on the lineage of Abraham and Isaac, with genealogical information about neighboring peoples like the Horites provided to establish the wider historical landscape.

Narrative

Shobal’s narrative presence in the provided sources is primarily genealogical. He is mentioned as one of the sons of Seir the Horite, a group that inhabited the land of Seir. He is also identified as one of the “dukes” among the Horites. The texts further list his five sons: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. However, the sources do not describe any specific actions, dialogues, or personal events in which Shobal himself participates. His significance within these excerpts lies in his inclusion in the genealogical records of the Horites, contributing to the understanding of the familial structures and leadership within that group in the land of Seir.