Lexical Summary Merib Baal: Merib-baal Original Word: מְרִיב בַּעַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Merib-baal From riyb and Ba'al; quarreller of Baal, Merib-Baal, an epithet of Gideon -- Merib-baal. Compare Mriy Ba'al. see HEBREW riyb see HEBREW Ba'al see HEBREW Mriy Ba'al NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rib and Baal Definition perhaps "Baal is advocate," a son of Jonathan NASB Translation Merib-baal (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְרִיב בַּ֫עַל proper name, masculine (baal is (our, my, his) advocate (?), compare NesEg.120 Dr284, 4; but GrauProp. N. 201 thinks מרי בעל original form = hero of Baal); — 1 son of Jonathan 1 Chronicles 8:34, בָּ֑עַל ׳מ V:34; 1 Chronicles 9:40 = מְרִיבַֿעַל (err. ?) V:40 = מְפִיבשֶׁת (later change, see בּשֶׁת below בושׁ) 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 9:6 (twice in verse); 2 Samuel 9:10,11,12 (twice in verse); 2 Samuel 9:13; 2 Samuel 16:1,4; 2 Samuel 19:26; 2 Samuel 19:31; 2 Samuel 21:7, מְפִבשֶׁת 2 Samuel 16:25 (called בֶּןשָֿׁאוּל); ᵐ5 in 2 Μεμφι Βοσθε, in 1Chronicles (usually) Μεριβααλ; ᵐ5L Mεμφιβααλ in 2Samuel (except 2 Samuel 4:1,2etc., where notin HCT). 2 מְפִבשֶׁת son of saul and Rispah, according to 2 Samuel 21:8, ᵐ5 (including ᵐ5L) Μεμφιβοσθε. רִיחַ, רֵיחַ see רוח. רֵים see רְאֵם. [רֵיעַ] see II. רֵעַ below רעח. רִיעַ see ריּע ריף (√ of following; meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon Biblical Appearances• 1 Chronicles 8:34 – “The son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal became the father of Micah.” Historical Context Merib-baal lived in the early tenth century B.C., being the lone surviving son of Prince Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul. His life spans the turbulent transition between the Saulide and Davidic dynasties. While the Chronicler records him under the name Merib-baal, Samuel–Kings employs the alternative form Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 9:6). Chronicles, compiled after the exile, seeks to root the returning community in its tribal heritage; therefore the genealogy of Benjamin is traced carefully to Saul, Jonathan, and Merib-baal, reminding Israel that God’s purposes embrace even a dethroned house. Name Variant and Textual Transmission The form Merib-baal contains the element “Baal,” a term that later generations associated almost exclusively with Canaanite idolatry. The Samuel narrative replaces “Baal” with “bosheth” (shame), yielding Mephibosheth. The two names refer to one individual. This editorial shift underscores Israel’s growing intolerance of syncretism while simultaneously preserving historical memory. Literary Significance in Chronicles Chronicles omits the dramatic accounts of Merib-baal’s childhood injury and David’s gracious adoption (2 Samuel 4; 2 Samuel 9). Instead, it highlights lineage. By presenting Merib-baal without any negative epithet, the Chronicler dignifies Jonathan’s house and quietly reaffirms David’s oath to Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17). In a book focused on temple worship and covenant continuity, the inclusion of Saul’s line—through Merib-baal—demonstrates that no tribe is cut off from Israel’s liturgical center. Theological and Covenantal Themes 1. Covenant Loyalty: David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, rooted in his covenant with Jonathan, illustrates steadfast love (Hebrew ḥesed). The preservation of Merib-baal’s name in Chronicles testifies that human covenants, when aligned with God’s purposes, outlast political upheaval. Ministry Application • Pastoral Care: Merib-baal’s account encourages the church to honor commitments, especially to the vulnerable. Maintaining covenant faithfulness, even to those who appear powerless to reciprocate, reflects the heart of God. Merib-baal therefore stands as a testimony to the enduring mercy of God, the binding power of covenant love, and the indispensable worth of every member within the people of God. Forms and Transliterations בַּ֖עַל בָּ֑עַל בעל ba‘al bā‘al ba·‘al bā·‘al BaalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:34 HEB: יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן מְרִ֣יב בָּ֑עַל וּמְרִ֥יב בַּ֖עַל NAS: of Jonathan [was] Merib-baal, and Merib-baal KJV: of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal; and Meribbaal INT: the son of Jonathan Merib-baal and Merib-baal became 1 Chronicles 8:34 1 Chronicles 9:40 3 Occurrences |
    |