The term "Matrites" refers to a family or clan within the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name is derived from "Matri," an ancestor of this family line. The Matrites are mentioned in the context of the selection of Saul as the first king of Israel.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the Matrites is found in 1 Samuel 10:21. In the process of selecting a king for Israel, the prophet Samuel gathers the tribes of Israel at Mizpah. The tribe of Benjamin is chosen by lot, and within Benjamin, the family of Matri is selected. From this family, Saul, the son of Kish, is chosen as king. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found." (1 Samuel 10:21)

Historical and Cultural Context:

The selection of Saul from the Matrites highlights the significance of divine choice in leadership within the Israelite community. The use of casting lots was a common practice in ancient Israel to discern God's will, reflecting a belief in divine sovereignty over human affairs. The Matrites, as a clan within Benjamin, were part of a larger narrative that emphasized God's providential guidance in establishing the monarchy.

Theological Significance:

The mention of the Matrites in the context of Saul's selection underscores the theme of God's involvement in the governance of His people. Saul's anointing as king, despite his initial reluctance and the subsequent challenges he faced, illustrates the complexities of human leadership under divine authority. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and humility before God, qualities that Saul struggled to maintain throughout his reign.

Genealogical Considerations:

While the Bible does not provide extensive genealogical details about the Matrites beyond their connection to Saul, their inclusion in the narrative of Israel's first king highlights the importance of family and tribal identity in ancient Israel. The tribe of Benjamin, though small, played a significant role in Israel's history, and the Matrites, as part of this tribe, contributed to the unfolding account of God's people.

Conclusion:

The Matrites, though briefly mentioned, are integral to the account of Saul's rise to kingship. Their selection by lot as the family from which Israel's first king would come demonstrates the biblical theme of God's sovereign choice and the unfolding of His plan for Israel.MATRITES

ma'-trits (ha-maTri): The Revised Version (British and American) translation of maTri with the definite article, "the Matrites" (1 Samuel 10:21).

Matrites (1 Occurrence)
...MATRITES. ma'-trits (ha-maTri): The Revised Version (British and American) translation
of maTri with the definite article, "the Matrites" (1 Samuel 10:21). ...
/m/matrites.htm - 7k

Kish (18 Occurrences)
... He was of the tribe of Benjamin, of the family of the Matrites (1 Samuel
9:1; 1 Samuel 14:51; compare Acts 13:21 1 Samuel 10:21). ...
/k/kish.htm - 15k

Matrite (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 10:21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the
family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when ...
/m/matrite.htm - 6k

Matrix (4 Occurrences)

/m/matrix.htm - 8k

Nowhere (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:21 Then he made the tribe of Benjamin come near by families, and the
family of the Matrites was taken: and from them, Saul, the son of Kish, was ...
/n/nowhere.htm - 11k

Matri's (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 10:21 And he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families, and
the family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken; but ...
/m/matri's.htm - 6k

Matri (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 10:21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the
family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when ...
/m/matri.htm - 7k

Sought (199 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the
family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when ...
/s/sought.htm - 37k

Clan (96 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the
family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when ...
/c/clan.htm - 32k

Search (186 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:21 Then he made the tribe of Benjamin come near by families, and the
family of the Matrites was taken: and from them, Saul, the son of Kish, was ...
/s/search.htm - 43k

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