Lexical Summary Manachath: Manahath Original Word: מָנַחַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Manahath From nuwach; rest; Manachath, the name of an Edomite and of a place in Moab -- Manahath. see HEBREW nuwach Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [מָנַ֫חַת] proper name, of a location (= resting-place, settlement), מָנָ֑חַת 1 Chronicles 8:6, site unknown, ᵐ5 Μαχαναθει, ᵐ5L Μανουαθ. II. מָנַ֫חַת proper name, masculine in Edom Genesis 36:23 = 1 Chronicles 1:40; ᵐ5 Μαν(ν)αχαθ, Μανααθ. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Narrative Setting מָנַחַת (Manahath) appears three times in the Old Testament record (Genesis 36:23; 1 Chronicles 1:40; 1 Chronicles 8:6). In the first two references it is a personal name listed among the sons of Shobal, a Horite chieftain living in the land of Edom. The Chronicler repeats this genealogy verbatim, underscoring the continuity between the Pentateuchal and Chronicler traditions. The third occurrence shifts from person to place: certain Benjamite clans, led by Ehud, are said to have been carried “into Manahath” (1 Chronicles 8:6). Scripture therefore presents Manahath both as an individual within the Edomite line and as a locality later associated with the tribe of Benjamin. Genealogical Significance The Manahath of Genesis 36:23 stands in the broader genealogy of Esau, who fathered the Edomite nation. By preserving this detail, Moses shows that the covenant people were never isolated from their neighbors; Edom, Moab, Ammon, and Israel all trace back to the patriarchal family. This reinforces the unity of the human race and warns against ethnic pride (compare Deuteronomy 23:7). For the Chronicler, repeating the same genealogy (1 Chronicles 1:40) in post-exilic Judah reminded returnees that the Lord governs all families of the earth and that even erstwhile rivals like Edom have their appointed place in His redemptive storyline. Geographical Association 1 Chronicles 8:6 records that certain Benjamites “were deported to Manahath.” The text does not clarify whether this Manahath lay inside Benjaminite territory or in Edom. Most scholars favor a Benjaminite site—perhaps near Geba—on the grounds that the verb “carried them” (שָׁבוּם) suggests an internal relocation rather than foreign exile. Either way, the reference implies that place-names sometimes derived from ancestral figures: a settlement occupied by descendants might naturally receive the name of their forefather. In this way the Bible weds personal and geographical identity, demonstrating that the Lord establishes both people and their dwelling places (Acts 17:26). Theological Themes 1. Divine Providence in Genealogy: Manahath’s seemingly minor appearance testifies to God’s interest in every branch of the family tree. The Spirit inspired Scripture to include names that modern readers might overlook, assuring believers that “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) and that no life is insignificant before Him. Ministry Applications • Preaching the “forgotten” names such as Manahath helps congregations appreciate the meticulous faithfulness of God. The Lord not only counts the stars (Psalm 147:4) but also records obscure ancestors and villages. Typological and Prophetic Hints The meaning traditionally assigned to Manahath—“resting place”—foreshadows the ultimate rest offered in Jesus Christ. The seemingly minor notice that Benjamites were taken “into Manahath” (a resting place) anticipates how God will one day bring all His covenant people into the “Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). Key Scripture “Those were the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.” (Genesis 36:23) “These were the sons of Ehud, who were the heads of the families living in Geba and who were deported to Manahath.” (1 Chronicles 8:6) Though brief, the references to Manahath weave together themes of providence, identity, and promised rest, encouraging believers to trust the God who numbers names and sets boundaries for His glory and their good. Forms and Transliterations וּמָנַ֖חַת וּמָנַ֛חַת ומנחת מָנָֽחַת׃ מנחת׃ mā·nā·ḥaṯ maNachat mānāḥaṯ ū·mā·na·ḥaṯ umaNachat ūmānaḥaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:23 HEB: שׁוֹבָ֔ל עַלְוָ֥ן וּמָנַ֖חַת וְעֵיבָ֑ל שְׁפ֖וֹ NAS: Alvan and Manahath and Ebal, KJV: [were] these; Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, INT: of Shobal Alvan and Manahath and Ebal Shepho 1 Chronicles 1:40 1 Chronicles 8:6 3 Occurrences |
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