Matri
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Topical Encyclopedia
Matri is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribe of Benjamin. The name "Matri" appears in the genealogical records and is associated with the selection of Israel's first king, Saul.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Matri is found in 1 Samuel 10:21. The passage describes the process by which Saul was chosen to be king over Israel. The verse states: "Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri's clan was chosen. Finally, Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found" (1 Samuel 10:21).

Context and Significance:

Matri is identified as the head of a family or clan within the tribe of Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The selection of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin is significant, as it highlights God's sovereign choice in appointing a king for Israel, despite the tribe's relatively small size and previous history of conflict (Judges 20).

The mention of Matri in the context of Saul's selection underscores the importance of family and tribal affiliations in ancient Israelite society. The process of casting lots to determine God's choice reflects the belief in divine providence guiding the nation's leadership.

Genealogical Importance:

While Matri himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his mention serves as a genealogical marker within the tribe of Benjamin. The identification of Saul with Matri's clan provides a specific lineage for Israel's first king, emphasizing the historical and familial roots of Saul's kingship.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the selection of Saul from Matri's clan can be seen as part of God's unfolding plan for Israel. Despite Saul's later failures as king, his initial anointing and the involvement of Matri's clan demonstrate God's active role in the governance of His people. This event foreshadows the eventual establishment of the Davidic line, through which God's promises to Israel would be fulfilled.

In summary, Matri's mention in the Bible, though brief, is integral to the narrative of Saul's rise to kingship and reflects the broader themes of divine selection and providence in the history of Israel.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Matri

rain; prison

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Matri

(rain of Jehovah), a family of the tribe of Benjamin, to which Saul the King of Israel belonged. (1 Samuel 10:21)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MATRI

ma'-tri (maTri, "rainy"): A family of the tribe of Benjamin to which King Saul belonged (1 Samuel 10:21 the King James Version).

Strong's Hebrew
4309. Matri -- a Benjamite family
... 4308, 4309. Matri. 4310 . a Benjamite family. Transliteration: Matri Phonetic
Spelling: (mat-ree') Short Definition: Matrite. ... Matri. ...
/hebrew/4309.htm - 6k
Library

Gloria Crucis
... COLLEGE, LICHFIELD. LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON NEW
YORK, BOMBAY, AND CALCUTTA 1908. All rights reserved. MATRI. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/title page.htm

Hymnus Omnis Horae
... Exitu dulcis iuventae raptum ephebum viderat, orba quem mater supremis funerabat
fletibus: surge, dixit: ille surgit, matri et adstans redditur. 45. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/ix hymnus omnis horae.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family
of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

The First Kings.
... The tribe of Benjamin was chosen; and of the families of Benjamin, that of Matri
was taken; and, finally, the lot fell upon the person of Saul, the son of Kish ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Appointment of a King Over the Israelites, Whose Name was Saul ...
... Hebrews had so done, the lot fell upon the tribe of Benjamin; and when the lot was
cast for the families of this tribe, that which was called Matri was taken ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 the appointment of.htm

The Influence of St. Augustin Upon Posterity, and his Relation to ...
... [67] See Ch. Hist. III. 81 and 82. [68] Comp. Tract. in Evang. Joannis, viii. c.
9, where he says: "Cur ergo ait matri filius; Quid mihi et tibi est, mulier? ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter v the influence of st.htm

Thesaurus
Matri (1 Occurrence)
...MATRI. ma'-tri (maTri, "rainy"): A family of the tribe of Benjamin to which King
Saul belonged (1 Samuel 10:21 the King James Version). ...Matri (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/matri.htm - 7k

Matri's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Matri's (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 10:21 And he
brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families, and ...
/m/matri's.htm - 6k

Matrites (1 Occurrence)
... MATRITES. ma'-trits (ha-maTri): The Revised Version (British and American) translation
of maTri with the definite article, "the Matrites" (1 Samuel 10:21). ...
/m/matrites.htm - 7k

Matrite (1 Occurrence)

/m/matrite.htm - 6k

Matricides (1 Occurrence)

/m/matricides.htm - 6k

Matred (2 Occurrences)

/m/matred.htm - 7k

Captured (143 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:21 and he bringeth near the tribe of Benjamin by its families, and the
family of Matri is captured, and Saul son of Kish is captured, and they seek ...
/c/captured.htm - 36k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Matri (1 Occurrence)

1 Samuel 10:21
He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when they sought him, he could not be found.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Matri

Matri: A Benjamite

Related Terms

Matri's (1 Occurrence)

Matrites (1 Occurrence)

Matrite (1 Occurrence)

Matricides (1 Occurrence)

Matred (2 Occurrences)

Captured (143 Occurrences)

Matred: Mother of Mehetabel
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