The He'berites are a lesser-known group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. They are descendants of Heber, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The He'berites are specifically noted in the context of the division of the land and the organization of the tribes.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the He'berites is found in 1 Chronicles 5:13, which lists them among the descendants of Manasseh: "Their relatives by families were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber—seven in all." . This passage highlights the familial connections within the tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in the Israelite community.

Tribal Affiliation:

The He'berites, as descendants of Heber, are part of the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled east of the Jordan River. The tribe of Manasseh was one of the two tribes descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob, and was divided into two half-tribes, with one settling on the east side of the Jordan and the other on the west. The He'berites, therefore, are associated with the eastern half-tribe, which played a significant role in the early history of Israel.

Historical Context:

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the identity and heritage of the Israelite tribes during the post-exilic period. The chronicler's emphasis on lineage underscores the continuity of God's covenant with Israel through the preservation of tribal identities. The He'berites, though not prominent in biblical narratives, are part of this broader tapestry of Israel's history.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the He'berites, like other genealogical records, reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people. The preservation of family lines and tribal identities is a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises. The He'berites, as part of the tribe of Manasseh, contribute to the fulfillment of the divine promise to Abraham regarding the multiplication and blessing of his descendants.

Conclusion:

While the He'berites do not play a major role in the biblical narrative, their inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of family and tribal identity in ancient Israel. As descendants of Heber within the tribe of Manasseh, they are part of the larger account of God's covenantal relationship with His people.He'berites (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 26:45
Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.
(See RSV)

He'berites (1 Occurrence)
He'berites. Heberites, He'berites. Heber's . Multi-Version Concordance
He'berites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:45 Of the sons of Beriah ...
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Heber's (1 Occurrence)

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Heberites (1 Occurrence)

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