Melchishua, a figure from the Old Testament, is one of the lesser-known sons of King Saul, the first king of Israel. His name, Melchishua, can be translated to mean "My King is Salvation" or "King of Help," reflecting a theophoric element common in Hebrew names, which often incorporate references to God or divine attributes.

Biblical References:

Melchishua is mentioned in several passages within the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. His role, while not extensively detailed, is significant in the context of the tragic end of Saul's reign and the transition of power to David.

1. 1 Samuel 14:49 : "Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. The names of his two daughters were Merab, the firstborn, and Michal, the younger." This verse introduces Melchishua as one of Saul's sons, alongside his more famous brother Jonathan. The listing of Saul's children provides insight into the royal family dynamics during Saul's reign.

2. 1 Samuel 31:2 : "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua." This passage recounts the battle of Mount Gilboa, where the Philistines defeated the Israelites. Melchishua, along with his brothers Jonathan and Abinadab, perished in this battle, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The death of Saul's sons, including Melchishua, signified the end of Saul's lineage and paved the way for David's ascension to the throne.

3. 1 Chronicles 8:33 : "Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal." This genealogical record in Chronicles reaffirms Melchishua's place in the lineage of Saul, emphasizing the continuity and heritage of Saul's family.

4. 1 Chronicles 10:2 : "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua." This verse mirrors the account in 1 Samuel, underscoring the historical and theological significance of the battle and the demise of Saul's sons.

Historical and Theological Context:

Melchishua's life and death are set against the backdrop of the tumultuous period of Israel's early monarchy. His death, alongside his brothers and father, represents the divine judgment upon Saul's house due to Saul's disobedience to God's commands. The fall of Saul's lineage is a critical turning point in the biblical narrative, highlighting the transition from Saul's flawed kingship to the establishment of David's dynasty, which is portrayed as being more aligned with God's purposes for Israel.

While Melchishua himself does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the accounts of Saul's family and their tragic end serves to illustrate the broader themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the history of Israel.Melchishua

A son of Saul. (1 Samuel 14:49; 31:2) Elsewhere correctly given Malchishua.

MELCHISHUA

mel-ki-shoo'-a (malkishua`, "king's help").

See MALCHI-SHUA.

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... king of Zobah. He had three male children, Jonathan, and Isui, and Melchishua;
with Merab and Michal his daughters. He had also ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

Melchishua (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia MELCHISHUA. mel-ki-shoo'-a (malkishua`, "king's help").
See MALCHI-SHUA. Multi-Version Concordance Melchishua (2 Occurrences). ...
/m/melchishua.htm - 7k

Melchisedek (11 Occurrences)

/m/melchisedek.htm - 9k

Ishui (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and
the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab ...
/i/ishui.htm - 6k

Malchi-shua (5 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/m/malchi-shua.htm - 8k

Melchi-shua (1 Occurrence)
Melchi-shua. Melchishua, Melchi-shua. Melchizedek . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Melchishua, Melchi-shua. Melchizedek . Reference Bible.
/m/melchi-shua.htm - 6k

Malchishua (5 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/m/malchishua.htm - 9k

Saul's (79 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:2 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and
the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul's sons. ...
/s/saul's.htm - 31k

Slew (206 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:2 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and
the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul's sons. ...
/s/slew.htm - 38k

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