Melchi-shua, a figure from the Old Testament, is one of the lesser-known sons of King Saul, the first king of Israel. His name, Melchi-shua, is often interpreted to mean "My King is Salvation" or "King of Help," reflecting a theophoric element common in Hebrew names, which often include references to God or divine attributes.

Biblical References:

Melchi-shua is mentioned in several passages within the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. His most notable appearance is in the context of the tragic battle on Mount Gilboa, where he met his demise alongside his father, King Saul, and his brothers, including the more famous Jonathan.

1. 1 Samuel 14:49 : "Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. The names of his two daughters were Merab, the firstborn, and Michal, the younger."

2. 1 Samuel 31:2 : "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua."

3. 1 Chronicles 8:33 : "Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal."

4. 1 Chronicles 10:2 : "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua."

Historical and Theological Context:

Melchi-shua lived during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by the transition from the period of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy. As a son of Saul, Melchi-shua was part of the royal family during a time when Israel was frequently at war with neighboring Philistine forces. The battle on Mount Gilboa, where Melchi-shua perished, was a significant event that led to the downfall of Saul's reign and paved the way for David's ascension to the throne.

Theologically, the death of Melchi-shua and his brothers can be seen as part of the divine judgment against Saul for his disobedience to God's commands. Saul's failure to fully obey the Lord, particularly in the matter of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), resulted in the loss of his kingdom and the tragic end of his lineage, as prophesied by the prophet Samuel.

Role in the Narrative:

While Melchi-shua does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogies and battle accounts serves to underscore the completeness of Saul's downfall. The deaths of Saul's sons, including Melchi-shua, highlight the totality of the Philistine victory and the end of Saul's dynastic hopes. This event sets the stage for the rise of David, a man after God's own heart, who would establish a new royal lineage through which God's promises to Israel would continue.

Legacy:

Melchi-shua's legacy is primarily tied to the narrative of Saul's kingship and its tragic end. His life and death serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of faithfulness to His commands. Though not as celebrated as his brother Jonathan, Melchi-shua's account is an integral part of the biblical history that leads to the establishment of the Davidic line, through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would eventually come.Melchi-Shua

king of health; magnificent king

The End of Self-Will
... in mount Gilboa.2. And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons;
and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchi-shua, Saul's sons ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of self-will.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... king of Zobah. He had three male children, Jonathan, and Isui, and Melchishua;
with Merab and Michal his daughters. He had also ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

The History of Saul
... of Gilboa. The Philistines smote in against Saul and his sons, and slew
Jonathan and Abinadab, and Melchi-shua, sons of Saul. And ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

Melchishua (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia MELCHISHUA. mel-ki-shoo'-a (malkishua`, "king's help").
See MALCHI-SHUA. Multi-Version Concordance Melchishua (2 Occurrences). ...
/m/melchishua.htm - 7k

Melchi-shua (1 Occurrence)
Melchi-shua. Melchishua, Melchi-shua. Melchizedek . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Melchishua, Melchi-shua. Melchizedek . Reference Bible.
/m/melchi-shua.htm - 6k

Melchisedek (11 Occurrences)

/m/melchisedek.htm - 9k

Melchizedek (12 Occurrences)

/m/melchizedek.htm - 19k

Ishui (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and
the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab ...
/i/ishui.htm - 6k

Malchi-shua (5 Occurrences)
... mal-ki-shoo'-a (malkishua`, "my king saves"): One of the sons of Saul (1 Samuel
14:49; 1 Samuel 31:2, the King James Version "Melchishua"; 1 Chronicles 8:33; 1 ...
/m/malchi-shua.htm - 8k

Malchishua (5 Occurrences)
... mal-ki-shoo'-a (malkishua`, "my king saves"): One of the sons of Saul (1 Samuel
14:49; 1 Samuel 31:2, the King James Version "Melchishua"; 1 Chronicles 8:33; 1 ...
/m/malchishua.htm - 9k

Saul's (79 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:2 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and
the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul's sons. ...
/s/saul's.htm - 31k

Slew (206 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:2 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and
the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul's sons. ...
/s/slew.htm - 38k

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