Topical Bible: Micah: Head of a Family of Reuben

◄ Micah: Head of a Family of Reuben ►

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Micah, a lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative, is identified as the head of a family within the tribe of Reuben. The tribe of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. The Reubenites settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in the region that is part of modern-day Jordan. This area was known for its pastoral lands, suitable for the large flocks and herds that the tribe maintained.

The mention of Micah as a head of a family within the tribe of Reuben is found in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. These records serve to establish the lineage and tribal affiliations of the Israelites, providing a historical framework for understanding the distribution and leadership within the tribes. In 1 Chronicles 5:1, the Berean Standard Bible notes the significance of the tribe of Reuben: "Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright)."

While Micah's specific actions and contributions are not detailed extensively in the biblical text, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family heads in maintaining the tribal structure and heritage. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles 5 provide insight into the complex social and familial networks that characterized ancient Israelite society. These records were crucial for preserving the identity and continuity of the tribes, especially during periods of upheaval and exile.

The role of a family head like Micah would have involved leadership responsibilities, including the management of family affairs, land, and resources. As a leader within the tribe of Reuben, Micah would have been responsible for upholding the traditions and laws of Israel, ensuring the spiritual and physical well-being of his family members. This role was vital for maintaining the cohesion and stability of the tribe, particularly in the context of the broader Israelite community.

The tribe of Reuben, despite its initial prominence as the firstborn tribe, faced challenges and changes in its status over time. The transfer of the birthright to the sons of Joseph, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:1, reflects the shifting dynamics within the tribes of Israel. Nevertheless, the Reubenites, including families led by figures like Micah, continued to play a role in the unfolding narrative of the Israelite people.

In summary, Micah, as a head of a family of Reuben, represents the enduring legacy of the tribal system in ancient Israel. His mention in the genealogical records highlights the importance of family leadership in preserving the identity and heritage of the Israelite tribes. Through figures like Micah, the biblical narrative emphasizes the interconnectedness of family, tribe, and nation in the history of God's chosen people.

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1 Chronicles 5:5
Micah his son, Reaia his son, Baal his son,
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Library

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... The head of that family was Jethro, the father-hi-law ... twenty weary years, had Jael
and her family shared the ... to in Deuteronomy, in Joshua, in Micah, in Nehemiah ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... 29); we are not told the form of the image of Micah the Ephraimite ... brethren of a
certain Jerubbaal (Gideon) who was head of the powerful family of Abiezer ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... a dodekas forming the historical transition from the family of the ... The reason why
Dan stands at the head of the ... as the Author of rest and peace; eg, Micah 4:1-4 ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

And ii.
... of the mountains," ie, standing at the head, as the ... are thus beautifully illustrated
by Calvin: "Micah does not ... be through some descendant of this family as a ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... The whole of Micah 7.should be read ... This is called "Synecdoche of the part." By it,
the head is put for ... 18-21, we read that the "man or woman or family or tribe ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... When enduring severe mental conflicts, and while he maintained his family by the
work ... powers, whether in heaven, in earth, or hell: Christ is made head over all ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... delightest in mercy, and mercy pleases thee (Micah 7:18 ... first place, to sweeten the
skin, head, and clothes ... breeders; and then, though all the family should be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... most notorious in your town, in your family, or country ... My head with oil thou didst
not anoint, but this ... and Jacob, that was a supplanter, and Reuben, that lay ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... The revolutions which occurred in the family of David ... is possible that, in Genesis
37:21, Reuben has been ... Their head, chosen from among the descendants of Zadok ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm