Malchi-shua is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the historical narratives concerning the early monarchy of Israel. He is recognized as one of the sons of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and his wife Ahinoam. The name "Malchi-shua" is often understood to mean "my king is salvation" or "the king saves," reflecting a theophoric element common in Hebrew names, which often incorporate references to God or divine attributes.

Biblical References:

Malchi-shua is primarily mentioned in the context of the battle of Mount Gilboa, a significant event in Israel's history. The account of this battle is found in 1 Samuel 31 and 1 Chronicles 10. In 1 Samuel 31:2 , it is recorded: "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua." This passage highlights the tragic end of Saul's reign and the demise of his sons, including Malchi-shua, during a fierce confrontation with the Philistines.

The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 10:2 reiterates this event: "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons and killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua." These passages underscore the loss suffered by Saul's family and the nation of Israel, marking a pivotal moment that led to the transition of kingship from Saul to David.

Historical and Theological Context:

Malchi-shua's death, alongside his brothers Jonathan and Abinadab, signifies the downfall of Saul's dynasty. The battle of Mount Gilboa is a turning point in Israel's history, as it not only marks the end of Saul's reign but also sets the stage for David's ascension to the throne. Theologically, this event is often viewed as a demonstration of divine judgment against Saul for his disobedience to God's commands, as narrated in earlier chapters of 1 Samuel.

The death of Malchi-shua and his brothers also highlights the theme of loyalty and the tragic consequences of war. Jonathan, in particular, is remembered for his deep friendship with David and his unwavering loyalty to his father, Saul, despite the latter's troubled reign. Malchi-shua, though less prominently featured in the narrative, shares in the collective fate of Saul's sons, illustrating the familial and national implications of Saul's leadership.

Cultural and Literary Significance:

In the broader cultural and literary context of the Bible, Malchi-shua's account contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's history during the period of the united monarchy. His mention, though brief, is part of the larger narrative that explores themes of kingship, divine providence, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

The account of Malchi-shua and his brothers serves as a somber reminder of the cost of leadership and the importance of faithfulness to God's will. It also foreshadows the hope of a new beginning for Israel under David, a man described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), who would establish a dynasty that ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament.King of help, one of the four sons of Saul (1 Chronicles 8:33). He perished along with his father in the battle of Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:2). MALCHI-SHUA

mal-ki-shoo'-a (malkishua`, "my king saves"): One of the sons of Saul (1 Samuel 14:49; 1 Samuel 31:2, the King James Version "Melchishua"; 1 Chronicles 8:33; 1 Chronicles 9:39). He was slain by the Philistines with his brothers at the battle of Gilboa (1 Chronicles 10:2 1 Samuel 31:2).

4444. Malkishua -- "my king is wealth," a son of Saul
... shua. Word Origin from melek and shua Definition "my king is wealth," a son
of Saul NASB Word Usage Malchi-shua (5). Malchishua. From ...
/hebrew/4444.htm - 6k

The Death of Two Brave Warriors
... Then the Philistines closely followed Saul and his sons; and they killed
Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the death of two brave.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Malchishua (5 Occurrences)
... 31:2). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MALCHI-SHUA. mal-ki-shoo ... 31:2).
Multi-Version Concordance Malchishua (5 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 14 ...
/m/malchishua.htm - 9k

Malchi-shua (5 Occurrences)
Malchi-shua. Mal'chishu'a, Malchi-shua. Malchus . Easton's Bible Dictionary
King ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MALCHI-SHUA. mal ...
/m/malchi-shua.htm - 8k

Mal'chishu'a (5 Occurrences)
Mal'chishu'a. Malchishua, Mal'chishu'a. Malchi-shua . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Malchishua, Mal'chishu'a. Malchi-shua . Reference Bible.
/m/mal'chishu'a.htm - 7k

Malki-shua (5 Occurrences)
... Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. (See NIV). 1 Chronicles 8:33 And Ner
begot Kish; and Kish begot Saul; and Saul begot Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and ...
/m/malki-shua.htm - 7k

Abin'adab (10 Occurrences)
... his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons ...
and Kish begot Saul; and Saul begot Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab ...
/a/abin'adab.htm - 9k

Abinadab (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:2 The Philistines followed hard on Saul and on his sons; and the
Philistines killed Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. ...
/a/abinadab.htm - 14k

Eshbaal (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 8:33 Ner became the father of Kish; and Kish became the father of Saul;
and Saul became the father of Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and ...
/e/eshbaal.htm - 7k

Esh-baal (2 Occurrences)
... Esh-baal (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 8:33 And Ner begot Kish; and Kish begot Saul;
and Saul begot Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal. ...
/e/esh-baal.htm - 7k

Kish (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 8:33 Ner became the father of Kish; and Kish became the father of Saul;
and Saul became the father of Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and ...
/k/kish.htm - 15k

Ner (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 8:33 Ner became the father of Kish; and Kish became the father of Saul;
and Saul became the father of Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and ...
/n/ner.htm - 13k

Who was Jonathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus