Topical Encyclopedia A'dri-el, a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, is known primarily for his connection to the royal family of Israel during the reign of King Saul. His name, A'dri-el, is often interpreted to mean "God is my help" or "flock of God," reflecting a common practice in ancient Israel of embedding theological significance within personal names.Biblical References: A'dri-el is introduced in the context of the political and familial alliances of King Saul. He is identified as the son of Barzillai the Meholathite. The primary biblical reference to A'dri-el is found in 1 Samuel 18:19: "So when the time came for Saul’s daughter Merab to be given to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah." This passage highlights a significant moment in the narrative of King Saul's reign. Initially, Merab, Saul's eldest daughter, was promised to David as a reward for his military successes and his service to the king. However, in a surprising turn of events, Saul reneges on this promise and gives Merab to A'dri-el instead. This act is often interpreted as part of Saul's increasingly erratic behavior and his growing animosity towards David, whom he perceived as a threat to his throne. Family and Legacy: A'dri-el's marriage to Merab produced five sons, as noted in 2 Samuel 21:8: "But the king took the two sons of Rizpah daughter of Aiah, whom she had borne to Saul—Armoni and Mephibosheth—and the five sons of Merab daughter of Saul, whom she had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite." The fate of A'dri-el's sons is a somber one. During the reign of King David, a famine struck Israel, which was attributed to Saul's earlier actions against the Gibeonites. To atone for Saul's breach of a covenant with the Gibeonites, David handed over seven of Saul's male descendants to the Gibeonites, who executed them. Among these were the five sons of A'dri-el and Merab. This tragic event is recorded in 2 Samuel 21:9: "He handed them over to the Gibeonites, who killed them and exposed their bodies on the hill before the LORD. All seven of them fell together; they were put to death during the first days of the harvest, just as the barley harvest was beginning." Cultural and Theological Significance: A'dri-el's account, though brief in the biblical narrative, is intertwined with themes of political maneuvering, familial loyalty, and the consequences of broken covenants. His marriage to Merab, initially intended as a political alliance, becomes a poignant reminder of the volatility and complexity of Saul's reign. The tragic fate of his sons underscores the far-reaching impact of Saul's decisions and the severe measures taken to restore divine favor to the land. A'dri-el's mention in the scriptures, while limited, serves as a testament to the intricate web of relationships and events that shaped the history of Israel during a tumultuous period. His legacy, marked by both his connection to the royal family and the sorrowful end of his descendants, reflects the broader narrative of divine justice and the fulfillment of covenantal obligations in the biblical text. Concordance A'dri-el (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 21:8 Thesaurus A'dri-el (1 Occurrence)A'dri-el. A'driel, A'dri-el. Adrift . Multi-Version Concordance A'dri-el (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 21:8 But the king took the two ... /a/a'dri-el.htm - 6k A'driel (1 Occurrence) Adriel (2 Occurrences) Adrift (1 Occurrence) Resources What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org What are the attributes of God? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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