Topical Encyclopedia Machbena is a location mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah in the Old Testament. It appears in the context of the descendants of Caleb, a prominent figure known for his faithfulness and leadership during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. The reference to Machbena is found in 1 Chronicles 2:49, which states: "She also bore Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbena and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Achsah." Biblical Context Machbena is listed among the descendants of Caleb, who was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan. Caleb, along with Joshua, was one of the two spies who brought back a positive report and encouraged the Israelites to trust in God's promise to give them the land. As a result of his faithfulness, Caleb was granted a special inheritance in the land of Judah (Numbers 14:24; Joshua 14:6-14). The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the lineage and territorial claims of the tribes of Israel, particularly focusing on the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would descend. The mention of Machbena, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of the settlement and organization of the tribes in the Promised Land. Historical and Geographical Considerations The exact location of Machbena is not clearly identified in modern geographical terms, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical text. It is likely that Machbena was a small settlement or family estate within the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The genealogical records often include such locations to emphasize the familial and tribal connections that were important for maintaining the social and religious structure of ancient Israel. Theological Significance While Machbena itself is not a focal point of theological discourse, its inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of heritage and lineage in the biblical narrative. The chronicling of family lines in Scripture serves to highlight God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to make their descendants a great nation and to give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. The genealogies also point forward to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is traced through the line of Judah. Each name and location, including Machbena, plays a role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout history. Conclusion Machbena, though a minor reference in the biblical text, is part of the rich tapestry of names and places that contribute to the understanding of Israel's history and God's covenantal faithfulness. Its mention in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles serves as a reminder of the intricate and purposeful design of God's plan for His people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MACHBENAmak-be'-na (makhbenah; Septuagint: Codex Vaticanus Machabena; Codex Alexandrinus Machamena; the King James Version, Machbenah): A name which occurs in the genealogical list of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:49), apparently the name of a place, which may be the same as "Cabbon" (Joshua 15:40), probably to be identified with el-Kubeibeh, about 3 miles South of Beit Jibrin. Strong's Hebrew 4343. Makbenah -- a descendant of Caleb... a descendant of Caleb. Transliteration: Makbenah Phonetic Spelling: (mak-bay-naw') Short Definition: Machbena. ... of Caleb NASB Word Usage Machbena (1). Machbenah. ... /hebrew/4343.htm - 6k Thesaurus Machbena (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MACHBENA. mak-be'-na (makhbenah ... Beit Jibrin. Multi-Version Concordance Machbena (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ... /m/machbena.htm - 7k Gibea (1 Occurrence) Machbenah (1 Occurrence) Madmannah (2 Occurrences) Mach'bannai (1 Occurrence) Cabbon (1 Occurrence) Caleb's (6 Occurrences) Achsa (1 Occurrence) Achsah (5 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Machbena (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 2:49 Subtopics Related Terms |