Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(encampment). That portion of Syria which formed a separate empire in time of Saul, David, and Solomon. It lay to the northeast of Palestine and probably extended to the Euphrates. Though ruled by petty kings at first, it became united and strong and engaged in frequent wars with Israel (1 Sam. 14:47; 2 Sam. 8:3-8; 10:6-19; 1 Chron. 18:3-8; 19:6). Hamath became the capital of Zobah, and it was captured by Solomon (2 Chron. 8:3).