Topical Encyclopedia The term "Mal'chi-elites" refers to the descendants or followers of Malchiel, a figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. Malchiel is noted as a son of Beriah, who was a descendant of Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. The lineage of Malchiel is briefly mentioned in the context of the tribal divisions and inheritances of the Israelites.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 46:17 : "The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel." This verse places Malchiel within the family of Asher, one of the tribes of Israel. Asher's descendants were known for their prosperity and blessings, as indicated in the blessings of Jacob and Moses. 2. Numbers 26:45 : "These were the descendants of Beriah: the Heberite clan from Heber, and the Malchielite clan from Malchiel." Here, the Malchielites are identified as a distinct clan within the tribe of Asher. This passage is part of a larger census taken by Moses and Eleazar, the priest, to account for the tribes of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. 3. 1 Chronicles 7:31 : "The sons of Beriah: Heber, Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith." This genealogical record in Chronicles reiterates the lineage of Malchiel and provides additional context by mentioning his offspring, Birzaith. Chronicles often serves to affirm and expand upon the genealogical records found in earlier books. Historical and Theological Context: The Malchielites, as descendants of Asher, were part of a tribe that settled in the northern region of Canaan, an area known for its fertile land and abundance. The tribe of Asher was blessed by Jacob in Genesis 49:20 : "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies." This blessing highlights the prosperity and abundance associated with Asher and, by extension, his descendants, including the Malchielites. Theologically, the inclusion of the Malchielites in the biblical genealogies underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in the narrative of Israel. Each tribe and clan had a specific role and inheritance within the nation, contributing to the overall unity and diversity of the people of God. Cultural Significance: In the broader cultural context of ancient Israel, clans like the Malchielites would have played a role in the social and economic structure of their communities. They would have participated in the agricultural and trade activities that were central to the life of the tribe of Asher. The mention of specific clans in the biblical text serves to preserve the memory and identity of these groups within the history of Israel. The Malchielites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, are part of the rich tapestry of Israel's history, representing the continuity of God's promises to the patriarchs and the fulfillment of His covenant with the people of Israel. Concordance Mal'chi-elites (1 Occurrence)Numbers 26:45 Thesaurus Mal'chi-elites (1 Occurrence)Mal'chi-elites. Malchielites, Mal'chi-elites. Malchijah . Multi-Version Concordance Mal'chi-elites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:45 ... /m/mal'chi-elites.htm - 6k Malchijah (15 Occurrences) Malchielites (1 Occurrence) Resources What is a pariah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there so many atheists? | GotQuestions.org What is Koine Greek, and why was the New Testament written in it? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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