Lexical Summary Meri Baal: Merib-baal Original Word: מְרִי בַעַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Meri-baal From mriy and Ba'al; rebellion of (i.e. Against) Baal; Meri-Baal, an epithet of Gideon -- Meri-baal. Compare Mriyb Ba'al. see HEBREW mriy see HEBREW Ba'al see HEBREW Mriyb Ba'al NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as Merib, q.v. Topical Lexicon Identity within the Scriptural Record Merib-baal appears in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin as the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul (1 Chronicles 9:40; compare 8:34). The Chronicler preserves this pre-exilic name, whereas the Samuel narratives use the form “Mephibosheth.” Both designate the same individual—Jonathan’s lone surviving heir. Historical Setting Merib-baal was five years old when news of Saul’s and Jonathan’s deaths at Mount Gilboa reached their household. In the ensuing flight he suffered a crippling fall (2 Samuel 4:4). His personal account unfolds against the turbulent transition from the house of Saul to the reign of David, illustrating how covenant fidelity overcomes political rivalry. David’s Covenant Kindness Years later David sought “anyone remaining of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan” (2 Samuel 9:1). Merib-baal, now an adult and physically disabled, was brought before the king. David restored Saul’s lands to him and decreed, “You will always eat at my table” (2 Samuel 9:7). The episode showcases: Tested Loyalty during Absalom’s Rebellion When David fled Jerusalem, Merib-baal’s servant Ziba claimed his master had remained behind in hopes of regaining Saul’s throne (2 Samuel 16:1–4). Later, Merib-baal appeared before the returning king unkempt and grieving, protesting his innocence: “My lord the king is like the Angel of God; so do what seems good to you” (2 Samuel 19:27). The affair underscores the vulnerability of the weak to misrepresentation and the king’s prerogative to arbitrate mercy amid conflicting testimonies. Genealogical Continuity Chronicles names Merib-baal’s son Micah (1 Chronicles 8:34; 9:40), through whom the line of Saul continued. Although the royal dynasty shifted to Judah under David, Benjamin’s heritage was not extinguished. The Chronicler’s post-exilic audience could trace descendants of Saul still present in the restored community (1 Chronicles 9:44), affirming God’s preservation of every tribe. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Covenant Faithfulness: David’s deeds embody steadfast love (Hebrew ḥesed), modelling how believers are to honor commitments even when circumstances change. Practical Applications for the Church • Uphold promises regardless of personal cost. Merib-baal’s single appearance in 1 Chronicles carries rich implications: covenant remembered, grace bestowed, and lineage preserved—all pointing ultimately to the faithful love of the greater Son of David. Forms and Transliterations בַ֖עַל בעל ḇa‘al ḇa·‘al VaalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 9:40 HEB: בָּ֑עַל וּמְרִי־ בַ֖עַל הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת־ KJV: [was] Meribbaal: and Meribbaal begat INT: of Jonathan Merib-baal and Meribbaal became of Micah |
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