The term "Meholathite" refers to an inhabitant of Meholah, a location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name is derived from Abel-meholah, which means "meadow of dancing" or "meadow of the dance." Abel-meholah is a place in the Jordan Valley, known for its fertile land and association with significant biblical figures.

Biblical References:

1. Abel-meholah: Abel-meholah is first mentioned in the context of Gideon's battle against the Midianites. In Judges 7:22 , it is recorded that the Midianites fled to "Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah, near Tabbath." This indicates the strategic importance of the location during the time of the Judges.

2. Elisha the Prophet: Abel-meholah is notably the birthplace of Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah. In 1 Kings 19:16 , God instructs Elijah to anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as a prophet in his place: "You are to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place." This highlights the spiritual significance of the region as the origin of one of Israel's major prophets.

3. Baanah the Meholathite: In 2 Samuel 23:29 , Baanah the Meholathite is listed among David's mighty warriors: "Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites, Benaiah the Pirathonite." This reference to Baanah as a Meholathite suggests that individuals from this region were involved in the military exploits of King David, further emphasizing the area's contribution to Israel's history.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Meholathites, as inhabitants of Abel-meholah, would have been part of the broader cultural and agricultural landscape of ancient Israel. The fertile Jordan Valley, where Abel-meholah is located, was conducive to farming and livestock, which may have contributed to the prosperity and sustenance of its residents.

The mention of dancing in the name "meadow of dancing" could imply cultural practices or celebrations that were characteristic of the region. Such activities might have been part of religious or communal gatherings, reflecting the social life of the Meholathites.

Significance in Biblical Narrative:

The Meholathites, through their association with figures like Elisha and Baanah, play a role in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history. Elisha's prophetic ministry, which began in Abel-meholah, was marked by miracles and a strong call to return to the worship of Yahweh. His roots in this region underscore the divine calling and preparation that began in a seemingly humble and rural setting.

In summary, the Meholathites, as residents of Abel-meholah, are woven into the fabric of biblical history through their connection to pivotal events and figures. Their mention in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of the diverse and interconnected communities that contributed to the account of God's people.MEHOLATHITE

me-ho'-la-thit (mecholathi): The Gentiledesignation of Adriel, the son of Barzillai, who married Merab, the daughter of King Saul (1 Samuel 18:19 2 Samuel 21:8), the name Michal in 2 Samuel 21:8 being doubtless a copyist's error.

See ABEL-MEHOLAH.

4259. Mecholathi -- inhab. of Abel-meholah
... 4258, 4259. Mecholathi. 4260 . inhab. of Abel-meholah. Transliteration: Mecholathi
Phonetic Spelling: (mekh-o-law-thee') Short Definition: Meholathite. ...
/hebrew/4259.htm - 6kMeholathite (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MEHOLATHITE. me-ho ... error. See ABEL-MEHOLAH.
Multi-Version Concordance Meholathite (2 Occurrences). 1 ...
/m/meholathite.htm - 7k

Adriel (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Flock of God, the son of Barzillai, the Meholathite, to
whom Saul gave in marriage his daughter Merab (1 Samuel 18:19). ...
/a/adriel.htm - 8k

Meho'lathite (2 Occurrences)
Meho'lathite. Meholathite, Meho'lathite. Mehujael . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Meholathite, Meho'lathite. Mehujael . Reference Bible.
/m/meho'lathite.htm - 7k

Barzillai (10 Occurrences)
... Of iron. (1.) A Meholathite, the father of Adriel (2 Samuel 21:8). (2.) A Gileadite
of Rogelim who was distinguished for his loyalty to David. ...
/b/barzillai.htm - 12k

Merab (4 Occurrences)
... retarding factor from the first. At any rate Merab is finally given to
Adriel the Meholathite (1 Samuel 18:19). The passage in 2 ...
/m/merab.htm - 11k

Meholath (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 18:19 But it happened at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have
been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife. ...
/m/meholath.htm - 6k

Saul's (79 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 18:19 But it happened at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have
been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife. ...
/s/saul's.htm - 31k

Rizpah (4 Occurrences)
... whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the
daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite. ...
/r/rizpah.htm - 10k

Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences)
... unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of
Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite; (See RSV). ...
/m/mephib'osheth.htm - 10k

Meholah (4 Occurrences)
... Samuel 18:19 But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have
been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife ...
/m/meholah.htm - 7k

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