1 Chronicles 8:34
The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah.
The son of Jonathan
This phrase identifies the lineage, emphasizing the importance of genealogies in the Hebrew tradition. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is a significant figure known for his deep friendship with David. The Hebrew root for "son" is "ben," which signifies not only a biological relationship but also a continuation of legacy and covenant. Jonathan's legacy is marked by loyalty and faithfulness, qualities that are esteemed in the biblical narrative.

Merib-baal
Merib-baal, also known as Mephibosheth in other biblical passages, is a name that reflects the complex history of Israel's relationship with surrounding cultures. The name "Baal" was often associated with Canaanite deities, but in this context, it is likely used in a more generic sense, meaning "lord" or "master." The Hebrew root "rib" means "to contend" or "to strive," suggesting a life marked by struggle or conflict. Merib-baal's account is one of redemption and grace, as he is shown kindness by David despite his grandfather Saul's enmity.

who was the father of Micah
This phrase continues the genealogical record, highlighting the importance of family lines in the chronicling of Israel's history. The name "Micah" means "Who is like Yahweh?" in Hebrew, a rhetorical question that underscores the uniqueness and supremacy of God. This reflects a theological assertion central to the Israelite faith. The mention of Micah signifies the continuation of Jonathan's line, a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the house of Saul through Jonathan's descendants.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and bravery, Jonathan's lineage is significant in the history of Israel.

2. Merib-baal
Also known as Mephibosheth, he was the son of Jonathan. His name means "contender against Baal," reflecting a cultural context of opposing pagan deities. He is known for his relationship with King David, who showed him kindness for Jonathan's sake.

3. Micah
The son of Merib-baal. His mention here continues the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the continuation of Jonathan's line.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Legacy
The genealogical records in Chronicles remind us of the importance of family legacy and the impact of our actions on future generations. Jonathan's faithfulness and friendship with David had lasting effects on his descendants.

God's Faithfulness
The account of Merib-baal illustrates God's faithfulness in keeping promises. Despite the fall of Saul's house, God preserved Jonathan's line through David's kindness, reflecting God's covenantal faithfulness.

Grace and Kindness
David's treatment of Merib-baal is a powerful example of grace and kindness. As believers, we are called to show kindness to others, especially those who cannot repay us, reflecting the grace we have received from God.

Overcoming Cultural Stigmas
Merib-baal's name and condition could have been a source of shame, yet he was honored by David. This teaches us to look beyond societal stigmas and see individuals as God sees them.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the relationship between David and Jonathan influence David's actions towards Merib-baal, and what does this teach us about the power of covenant relationships?

2. In what ways does the account of Merib-baal reflect God's grace and faithfulness, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

3. How can we, like David, show kindness and grace to those who are marginalized or disadvantaged in our communities?

4. What lessons can we learn from the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles about the importance of family legacy and faithfulness to God?

5. How does the account of Merib-baal challenge us to overcome cultural stigmas and see individuals through the lens of God's love and grace?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 9
This chapter details King David's kindness to Mephibosheth (Merib-baal), where David restores Saul's land to him and allows him to eat at the king's table. This act of kindness fulfills David's covenant with Jonathan and demonstrates God's grace and faithfulness.

1 Samuel 20
This chapter describes the covenant between David and Jonathan, which is foundational to understanding David's later actions towards Merib-baal.

2 Samuel 4:4
Provides background on Mephibosheth's disability, which occurred when he was five years old, further emphasizing the grace shown to him by David.
Poor Mephibosheth!R. Tuck 1 Chronicles 8:34
Readings Between the Lines1 Chronicles 8:1-40
Readings Between the LinesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 8:1-40
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abdon, Abihud, Abinadab, Abishua, Abitub, Abner, Adaiah, Addar, Ader, Aharah, Ahaz, Ahiah, Ahihud, Ahijah, Ahio, Ahitub, Ahoah, Alemeth, Antothijah, Arad, Ashbel, Athaliah, Azel, Azmaveth, Azrikam, Baara, Beerah, Bela, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Beraiah, Beriah, Binea, Bocheru, Ebed, Eber, Eder, Ehud, Elam, Eleasah, Eliah, Eliel, Elienai, Elijah, Eliphelet, Elpaal, Eshbaal, Eshek, Gedor, Gera, Gibeon, Hanan, Hananiah, Heber, Hezeki, Hodesh, Huram, Hushim, Iphedeiah, Ishmael, Ishmerai, Ishpan, Ispah, Jakim, Jaresiah, Jehoadah, Jehush, Jeiel, Jeremoth, Jeroham, Jeush, Jeuz, Jezliah, Jobab, Joha, Jonathan, Kish, Maacah, Maachah, Malcham, Malchishua, Manahath, Melech, Meribbaal, Mesha, Meshullam, Micah, Michael, Mikloth, Mirma, Misham, Moabites, Moza, Naaman, Nadab, Ner, Nohah, Obadiah, Penuel, Pithon, Rapha, Saul, Shachia, Shaharaim, Shamer, Shamsherai, Shashak, Sheariah, Shehariah, Shema, Shemer, Shephuphan, Shimeah, Shimei, Shimhi, Shimrath, Tarea, Ulam, Uzza, Zabdi, Zacher, Zebadiah, Zechariah, Zibia, Zichri, Zilthai, Zimri, Zur
Places
Aijalon, Beth-shan, Gath, Geba, Gibeon, Jerusalem, Lod, Manahath, Moab, Ono
Topics
Baal, Begat, Begot, Jonathan, Merib, Meribbaal, Merib-baal, Mer'ib-ba'al, Micah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 8:1-40

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda.
Between Lydda and the sea, a spacious valley runs out, here and there widely spreading itself, and sprinkled with villages. The holy page of the New Testament [Acts 9:35] calls it Saron: and that of the Old calls the whole, perhaps, or some part of it, 'the plain of Ono,' Nehemiah 6:2, 11:35; 1 Chronicles 8:12... The wine of Sharon is of great fame, with which they mixed two parts water: and remarkable is that they say concerning the houses of Sharon. R. Lazar saith, "He that builds a brick house
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
'And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. 2. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite. 3. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4. And the men of Judah came, and there
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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