Magdiel is a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. The name Magdiel appears in the Book of Genesis, which is the first book of the Bible and part of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses.

Biblical Reference:

Magdiel is listed in Genesis 36:40-43, which details the chiefs of Edom, descendants of Esau. The passage reads:

"These are the names of Esau’s chiefs, according to their families and regions, by their names: Chief Timna, Chief Alvah, Chief Jetheth, Chief Oholibamah, Chief Elah, Chief Pinon, Chief Kenaz, Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar, Chief Magdiel, and Chief Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their settlements in the land they possessed. Esau was the father of the Edomites." (Genesis 36:40-43)

Historical and Cultural Context:

Magdiel is identified as one of the chiefs of Edom, a region and people descended from Esau. The Edomites were a significant group in the ancient Near East, often interacting with the Israelites. The mention of Magdiel as a chief suggests a position of leadership and influence within the Edomite society. The chiefs, or "dukes" as rendered in some translations, were likely tribal leaders or heads of clans, each governing a specific territory or group of people.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name Magdiel is of uncertain etymology, but it is often thought to mean "God is my tower" or "God is excellent," reflecting a theophoric element common in ancient Semitic names. This suggests a cultural acknowledgment of divine protection or strength, which was a typical feature in the naming conventions of the time.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Magdiel in the genealogical records of Genesis underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the multiplication of his descendants. Although Esau did not inherit the covenantal promises given to Jacob, his lineage, including Magdiel, is still acknowledged and recorded in Scripture. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His purposes through various peoples and nations.

Role in Edomite Society:

As a chief, Magdiel would have played a crucial role in the governance and social structure of Edom. The chiefs were responsible for leading their people, making decisions, and possibly engaging in trade or conflict with neighboring tribes and nations. The Edomites, situated in a region south of the Dead Sea, were known for their interactions with Israel, sometimes as adversaries and at other times as allies.

Legacy:

While Magdiel himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives beyond the genealogical listing, his mention contributes to the broader understanding of the Edomite nation and its relationship with Israel. The record of Magdiel and other Edomite chiefs serves as a historical backdrop to the complex interactions between the descendants of Esau and Jacob throughout biblical history.Magdiel

declaring God; chosen fruit of God

Magdiel

(prince of God), one of the "dukes" of Edom, descended from Esau. (Genesis 36:43; 1 Chronicles 1:54)

MAGDIEL

mag'-di-el (maghdi'el; Genesis 36:43, Septuagint: Codex Alexandrinus Metoduel; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Codex Alexandrinus Mageduel; Codex Vaticanus Meduel): One of the "dukes" of Edom.

4025. Magdiel -- "excellence of God," an Edomite chief
... 4024, 4025. Magdiel. 4026 . "excellence of God," an Edomite chief. Transliteration:
Magdiel Phonetic Spelling: (mag-dee-ale') Short Definition: Magdiel. ...
/hebrew/4025.htm - 6k

Chapter xxxvi
... the chief of Oholibamah, the chief of Elah, the chief of Pinon, the chief of Kenaz,
the chief of Teman, the chief of Mibzar, the chief of Magdiel, the chief of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Magdiel (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAGDIEL. ... Multi-Version Concordance Magdiel
(2 Occurrences). Genesis 36:43 chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. ...
/m/magdiel.htm - 7k

Iram (2 Occurrences)
... Iram (2 Occurrences). Genesis 36:43 chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. ... (WEB KJV JPS ASV
BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 1:54 chief Magdiel, chief Iram. ...
/i/iram.htm - 7k

Dukes (14 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:43 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to
their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the ...
/d/dukes.htm - 10k

Mag'diel (1 Occurrence)
Mag'diel. Magdiel, Mag'diel. Mag'di-el . Multi-Version Concordance Mag'diel
(1 Occurrence). Genesis 36:43 the chief of Magdiel, the chief of Iram. ...
/m/mag'diel.htm - 6k

Duke (14 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:43 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to
their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the ...
/d/duke.htm - 13k

Mag'dalene (11 Occurrences)
Mag'dalene. Magdalene, Mag'dalene. Magdiel . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Magdalene, Mag'dalene. Magdiel . Reference Bible.
/m/mag'dalene.htm - 9k

Occupied (32 Occurrences)
... so occupied were not benefited. (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS). Genesis 36:43
chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom ...
/o/occupied.htm - 16k

Reference (23 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:43 chief Magdiel, chief Iram: these 'are' chiefs of Edom, in reference
to their dwellings, in the land of their possession; he 'is' Esau father of ...
/r/reference.htm - 14k

Edomite (11 Occurrences)
... Jacob; an Idumean. Multi-Version Concordance Edomite (11 Occurrences).
Genesis 36:43 chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the ...
/e/edomite.htm - 10k

Dwelling-places (11 Occurrences)
... Dwellingplaces, Dwelling-places. Dwellings . Multi-Version Concordance
Dwelling-places (11 Occurrences). Genesis 36:43 chief Magdiel, chief Iram. ...
/d/dwelling-places.htm - 10k

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