The enemies listed were found to the east (Moab, Ammon), southeast (Edom), northeast (Zobah), and west (Philistines) of Israel.1 The kingdoms mentioned are also referred to in 2 Samuel 8:12 as tributaries of David. Zobah was an Aramean city-state on the western slope of the Anti-Lebanon mountains.2 Saul’s campaigns against the various kingdoms around him served to strengthen and establish Israel’s borders.
47 When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them.