Mehetabeel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the genealogical records of the Book of Nehemiah. The name Mehetabeel, sometimes spelled Mehetabel, is of Hebrew origin and means "God benefits" or "God does good." This name reflects a common practice in ancient Israelite culture of attributing personal names that acknowledge the character or actions of God.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 6:10 · Mehetabeel is mentioned in the context of a conspiracy against Nehemiah, the governor of Judah who was instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The verse states: "Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabeel, who was confined to his home. He said: 'Let us meet at the house of God, inside the temple, and let us shut the temple doors, because they are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.'"

In this passage, Mehetabeel is identified as the grandfather of Shemaiah, a man who attempted to deceive Nehemiah by pretending to offer him protection within the temple. This incident is part of a larger narrative where Nehemiah faces opposition and plots against his leadership and the work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. The mention of Mehetabeel here serves to provide genealogical context for Shemaiah, indicating his lineage and possibly his social standing.

Genealogical Context:

The genealogical mention of Mehetabeel in Nehemiah 6:10 places him within the post-exilic community of Judah. This period was marked by the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent efforts to restore Jerusalem and its religious practices. Genealogies in the Bible often serve to establish identity, heritage, and legitimacy, especially in the context of leadership and priestly roles.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The name Mehetabeel, meaning "God benefits," reflects a theological understanding of God's providence and benevolence. In the biblical worldview, names were not merely identifiers but carried significant meaning and often expressed the faith and hopes of the parents. The inclusion of "El," a name for God, in Mehetabeel underscores the theocentric nature of Israelite culture, where God's presence and action were acknowledged in every aspect of life.

While Mehetabeel himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention contributes to the rich tapestry of personal accounts and lineages that form the backdrop of Israel's history. The brief reference to him in Nehemiah highlights the interconnectedness of individuals and families within the larger account of God's people and their covenant relationship with Him.Whose benefactor is God, the father of Delaiah, and grandfather of Shemaiah, who joined Sanballat against Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:10). MEHETABEL; MEHETABEEL

me-het'-a-bel, me-het'-a-bel (mehetah'el, "whom God makes happy"):

(1) Daughter of Matred, wife of Hadad or Hadar, the 8th and apparently last of the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:39 1 Chronicles 1:50).

(2) Grandfather of that Shemaiah who played a treacherous part against Nehemiah at the suggestion of Tobiah and Sanballat, by trying to persuade Nehemiah to commit sacrilege (Nehemiah 6:10-13).

4105. Mehetabel -- "God benefits," wife of an Edomite king, also ...
... Mehetabeel, Mehetabel. From yatab (augmented) and 'el; bettered of God; Mehetabel,
the name of an Edomitish man and woman -- Mehetabeel, Mehetabel. ...
/hebrew/4105.htm - 6kMehetabeel
... joined Sanballat against Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:10). Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. MEHETABEL; MEHETABEEL. me-het'-a-bel, me-het'-a ...
/m/mehetabeel.htm - 7k

Mehetabel (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Wife of Hadad, one of the kings of Edom (Genesis
36:39). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MEHETABEL; MEHETABEEL. ...
/m/mehetabel.htm - 8k

Mehavite (1 Occurrence)

/m/mehavite.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus