Malchishua is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the historical narratives concerning the early monarchy of Israel. He is identified as one of the sons of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and his wife Ahinoam. The name "Malchishua" is often understood to mean "my king saves" or "king of help," reflecting a theophoric element common in Hebrew names.

Biblical References:

Malchishua is primarily mentioned in the context of the tragic events surrounding the end of King Saul's reign. His account is intertwined with the narrative of the battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, a pivotal moment in Israel's history.

1. 1 Samuel 14:49 · This verse provides a genealogical note, listing Malchishua among the sons of Saul: "The sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. The names of his two daughters were Merab, the firstborn, and Michal, the younger."

2. 1 Samuel 31:2 · Malchishua's death is recorded during the battle of Mount Gilboa: "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua."

3. 1 Chronicles 8:33 and 1 Chronicles 9:39 · These genealogical records reaffirm Malchishua's place in Saul's lineage: "Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal."

Historical and Theological Context:

Malchishua lived during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by the transition from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. His father, Saul, was anointed as the first king of Israel by the prophet Samuel, but his reign was fraught with challenges, including ongoing conflict with the Philistines.

The death of Malchishua, alongside his brothers Jonathan and Abinadab, was a significant event that marked the downfall of Saul's dynasty. The battle of Mount Gilboa was a decisive defeat for Israel, leading to Saul's own death and the eventual rise of David as king. This transition is seen as part of God's providential plan, as David was chosen by God to establish a dynasty that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah.

Character and Legacy:

While the biblical text does not provide extensive details about Malchishua's character or personal deeds, his inclusion in the narrative underscores the tragic end of Saul's line. His death, along with his brothers, highlights the cost of leadership and the consequences of Saul's disobedience to God. The fall of Saul's house serves as a somber reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.

Malchishua's legacy is primarily tied to the broader narrative of Saul's reign and the divine orchestration of Israel's history. His life and death are part of the unfolding account of God's covenant with Israel and the establishment of a kingdom that would ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the true King and Savior.Malchishua

(king of help), one of the sons of King Saul. (1 Samuel 14:49; 31:2; 1 Chronicles 8:33; 9:39)

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
... Malchishua. From melek and shuwa'; king of wealth; Malkishua, an Israelite --
Malchishua. see HEBREW melek. see HEBREW shuwa'. 4443, 4444. Malkishua. 4445 ...
/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

Malchishua (5 Occurrences)
... Samuel 31:2). Multi-Version Concordance Malchishua (5 Occurrences). 1 Samuel
14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishvi, and ...
/m/malchishua.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

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

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

Pressed (65 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. ...
/p/pressed.htm - 25k

Begat (112 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 8:33 And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and
Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal. ...
/b/begat.htm - 31k

Jonathan (109 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishvi, and Malchishua; and
the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn Merab ...
/j/jonathan.htm - 59k

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