Topical Encyclopedia Mered is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. His name appears in 1 Chronicles 4:17-18, where he is identified as a descendant of Judah through Caleb. The passage provides insight into his family lineage and connections, which are significant in understanding the broader context of Judah's descendants.Genealogy and Family Connections 1 Chronicles 4:17-18 states: "The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. (His Judean wife bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.) These were the sons of Bithiah, daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered had married." From this passage, we learn that Mered had two wives. One of his wives is notably identified as Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh. This connection to Egyptian royalty is unique and suggests a significant alliance or relationship between Mered's family and Egypt. Bithiah bore him children, including Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah, who is noted as the father of Eshtemoa. His Judean wife bore Jered, Heber, and Jekuthiel, each associated with different locations or clans within Judah. Cultural and Historical Context The mention of Bithiah, Pharaoh's daughter, is intriguing as it reflects the historical interactions between Israel and Egypt. Marriages between Israelites and Egyptians, especially those involving royal connections, were not common and indicate a period of relative peace or alliance. This marriage may have had political or social implications, strengthening ties between the two nations. Mered's lineage is part of the broader genealogical record that highlights the descendants of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Judah holds particular significance as it is the tribe from which King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ descended. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the historical and theological foundations of Israel's identity and God's covenantal promises. Theological Significance Mered's inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage in the biblical narrative. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the multiplication and blessing of their descendants. The mention of his marriage to an Egyptian princess also illustrates the diverse and sometimes unexpected ways in which God's purposes unfold through history. The genealogies in the Bible, including those involving figures like Mered, are not merely historical records but are imbued with theological meaning. They demonstrate God's sovereignty in guiding the history of His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through various individuals and families. Concordance Mered's (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 4:17 Thesaurus Mered's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Mered's (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:17 And the sons of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon. ... /m/mered's.htm - 6k Mered (2 Occurrences) Merely (30 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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