Topical Encyclopedia Kish is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known primarily as the father of Saul, the first king of Israel. His lineage and role are detailed in several passages, providing insight into his background and the tribal dynamics of ancient Israel.Genealogy and Family Background Kish was a Benjamite, belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His genealogy is outlined in 1 Samuel 9:1, which states, "Now there was a man of Benjamin named Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor." This lineage highlights Kish's noble heritage and his standing as a man of valor, suggesting a family of some prominence within the tribe. Role and Significance Kish's most notable contribution to biblical history is his fatherhood of Saul. In 1 Samuel 9:2, Saul is described as "a choice and handsome young man; there was not a man among the Israelites more handsome than he, a head taller than any of the people." Kish's role as Saul's father places him at the center of a pivotal moment in Israel's history—the transition from a theocratic system of judges to a monarchy. The narrative of Saul's anointing as king begins with Kish's lost donkeys, as recorded in 1 Samuel 9:3-4: "One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, and Kish said to his son Saul, 'Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.' So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them." This seemingly mundane event sets the stage for Saul's encounter with the prophet Samuel, who anoints him as king. Cultural and Historical Context Kish's account unfolds during a time of significant transition for the Israelites. The period of the judges was marked by decentralized leadership and frequent conflicts with surrounding nations. The demand for a king, as expressed by the Israelites in 1 Samuel 8, reflects their desire for centralized leadership and stability. Kish's family, through Saul, becomes instrumental in this transformation. Legacy While Kish himself does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative beyond his connection to Saul, his legacy is intertwined with the rise and fall of his son. Saul's reign as king, though initially promising, ultimately ends in tragedy, marked by disobedience to God and a troubled relationship with David, his successor. Kish's lineage, however, continues to be significant, as the tribe of Benjamin remains an integral part of Israel's history. In summary, Kish is a figure whose importance is derived from his role as the father of Israel's first king. His account, though brief, is a crucial link in the chain of events that shaped the early monarchy of Israel. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 9:1-3Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 10:21 2 Samuel 21:14 Greek 2797. Kis -- Kish, the father of King Saul ... King Saul. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Kis Phonetic Spelling: (kis) Short Definition: Kish Definition: Kish, the father of Saul. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2797.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7027. Qish -- father of Saul, also the name of several other Isr.... Transliteration: Qish Phonetic Spelling: (keesh) Short Definition: Kish. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition father of Saul, also the name of several ... /hebrew/7027.htm - 6k Library How Samuel Found a Leader How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ... The Making of a King. Accordingly, Saul, Having Been First Anointed by Samuel with the ... The Appointment of a King Over the Israelites, Whose Name was Saul ... The History of Saul How David Fled to Ahimelech and Afterwards to the Kings of the ... The Kingdom of all Israel. The First Kings. Spirit --A Term Expressive of an Operation of the Soul, not of Its ... Resources Who was Mordecai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Saul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Saul is also among the prophets? | GotQuestions.org Kish: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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