Manahath: Son of Shobal
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Manahath is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is identified as a son of Shobal, who was a descendant of Seir the Horite. The name "Manahath" is also associated with a location, which may indicate that the individual or his descendants had some connection to this place.

Genealogical Context

Manahath is listed in the genealogies found in the Book of 1 Chronicles. In 1 Chronicles 1:40 , it states: "The sons of Shobal: Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah." This passage places Manahath within the lineage of the Horites, a group of people who inhabited the region of Seir before the Edomites.

Historical and Cultural Background

The Horites, to whom Manahath belonged, were an ancient people mentioned in the Bible as dwelling in the land of Seir. They are often associated with the Edomites, who later displaced them. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to trace the origins and relationships of various tribes and families, providing insight into the complex social and familial structures of the ancient Near East.

The Name "Manahath"

The name "Manahath" may have a geographical significance, as it is also the name of a location mentioned in the Bible. This dual reference suggests that Manahath or his descendants may have been influential in or associated with this area. The exact meaning of the name is not definitively known, but it is often interpreted as "resting place" or "settlement," which could imply a place of significance or stability.

Biblical Significance

While Manahath himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogies highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical text. These records serve to connect various peoples and tribes, illustrating the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the unfolding of God's plan through different generations.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the genealogies in which Manahath appears underscore the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over history and His involvement in the lives of individuals and nations. Each name in these records, including Manahath, represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive work, pointing ultimately to the fulfillment of His promises through the lineage of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

In summary, Manahath, as a son of Shobal, is a part of the broader tapestry of biblical history, contributing to the understanding of the genealogical and cultural context of the Scriptures. His mention in the Bible, though brief, is a testament to the intricate and purposeful design of God's narrative throughout the ages.
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Genesis 36:23
And the children of Shobal were these; Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.
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1 Chronicles 1:40
The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. and the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah.
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Library

Chapter xxxvi
... But the fifth name "Korah," identical with the last son of Oholibamah as far as
name is ... And these are the children of Shobal: Alvan and Manahath and Ebal ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Manahath: A City in the Territory of the Tribe of Benjamin
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