Mibzar
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Topical Encyclopedia
Mibzar is a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Edomite chiefs. The name "Mibzar" appears in the Book of Genesis, which provides a list of the chiefs descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob and the progenitor of the Edomites. The mention of Mibzar is brief, and as such, there is limited information available about him beyond his inclusion in these genealogies.

Biblical Reference:

Mibzar is listed among the chiefs of Edom in Genesis 36:42. The Berean Standard Bible renders this passage as follows:

"Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,"

This verse is part of a larger section in Genesis 36 that details the descendants of Esau, who is also known as Edom. The chapter outlines the lineage and the establishment of the Edomite nation, which was located to the southeast of Israel, in the region that is now part of modern-day Jordan.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Edomites were a significant neighboring nation to the Israelites, often interacting with them throughout biblical history. The chiefs, or "dukes" as they are sometimes referred to in other translations, were leaders of the various clans within the Edomite society. These leaders played crucial roles in the governance and military organization of their people.

The mention of Mibzar as a chief suggests that he was a person of authority and influence within the Edomite community. The genealogical records in Genesis serve to establish the historical and familial connections between the Israelites and the Edomites, emphasizing the shared ancestry through Isaac and Rebekah.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Mibzar in the biblical record underscores the comprehensive nature of God's covenantal history with humanity. The genealogies in Genesis highlight the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, extending even to the descendants of Esau. While the Edomites were often in conflict with Israel, their lineage is still acknowledged in the biblical narrative, reflecting the broader scope of God's plan and the interconnectedness of the nations.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name "Mibzar" is of uncertain etymology, but it is often thought to mean "fortress" or "stronghold," which could imply a position of strength or security. This meaning aligns with the role of a chief, who would be responsible for the protection and leadership of his people.

Conclusion:

While the biblical text provides limited information about Mibzar, his inclusion in the genealogical records of Genesis serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between the nations descended from the patriarchs. The Edomites, though often adversaries of Israel, are part of the broader narrative of God's dealings with humanity, illustrating the intricate tapestry of biblical history.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Mibzar

defending; forbidding; taking away

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Mibzar

(fortress), one of the "dukes" of Edom. (Genesis 36:42; 1 Chronicles 1:53)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fortress, one of the Edomitish "dukes" descended from Esau (Genesis 36:42; 1 Chronicles 1:53).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MIBZAR

mib'-zar (mibhtsar, "a fortress"): An Edomite chief, the King James Version "duke" (Genesis 36:42 1 Chronicles 1:53). According to Eusebius, Mibzar is connected with Mibsara, a considerable village subject to Petra and still existing in his time. Compare Holzinger and Skinner in respective commentaries on Genesis.

Strong's Hebrew
4014. Mibtsar -- an Edomite chief
... 4013, 4014. Mibtsar. 4015 . an Edomite chief. Transliteration: Mibtsar Phonetic
Spelling: (mib-tsawr') Short Definition: Mibzar. ... Mibzar. ...
/hebrew/4014.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter xxxvi
... the chief of Jetheth, the chief of Oholibamah, the chief of Elah, the chief of Pinon,
the chief of Kenaz, the chief of Teman, the chief of Mibzar, the chief of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Thesaurus
Mibzar (2 Occurrences)
...MIBZAR. ... According to Eusebius, Mibzar is connected with Mibsara, a considerable
village subject to Petra and still existing in his time. ...
/m/mibzar.htm - 7k

Kenaz (11 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 36:42 chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, (WEB KJV
JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 15:17 Othniel ...
/k/kenaz.htm - 10k

Teman (12 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 36:42 chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, (WEB
KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 1:36 ...
/t/teman.htm - 12k

Duke (14 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:42 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, (KJV WBS). Genesis ... 1 Chronicles
1:53 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, (KJV WBS). 1 ...
/d/duke.htm - 13k

Mica (5 Occurrences)

/m/mica.htm - 9k

Fence (12 Occurrences)
... Standard Revised Version "fortified"); compare for "strong" Joshua 19:29 Nehemiah
9:25 Psalm 108:10 (margin Joshua 19:29, "the city of Mibzar-zor, that is, the ...
/f/fence.htm - 15k

Mibsam (3 Occurrences)

/m/mibsam.htm - 7k

Resources
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Concordance
Mibzar (2 Occurrences)

Genesis 36:42
chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Chronicles 1:53
chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Mibzar

Mibzar: Chief of Edom

Related Terms

Kenaz (11 Occurrences)

Teman (12 Occurrences)

Duke (14 Occurrences)

Mica (5 Occurrences)

Fence (12 Occurrences)

Mibsam (3 Occurrences)

Mibsam: Son of Shallum
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