Topical Bible: Pharaoh: Father-In-Law of Mered

◄ Pharaoh: Father-In-Law of Mered ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The figure of Pharaoh, identified as the father-in-law of Mered, is a somewhat obscure yet intriguing character mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. This Pharaoh is referenced in 1 Chronicles 4:17-18, which provides insight into the familial connections between the Israelites and the Egyptians during the period of the Exodus and the early settlement in Canaan.

Biblical Reference:
1 Chronicles 4:17-18 states: "The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife Bithiah gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. (His Judean wife gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.) These were the sons of Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered had married."

Historical Context:
The mention of Pharaoh's daughter, Bithiah, as Mered's wife, suggests a significant connection between the Israelites and the Egyptian royal family. This relationship is indicative of the complex interactions between the two cultures during the time of the Exodus. The identity of this Pharaoh is not explicitly stated in the biblical text, leading to various scholarly interpretations and debates regarding which Egyptian ruler might have been Bithiah's father.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
The marriage of Mered, an Israelite, to Bithiah, an Egyptian princess, highlights the theme of God's providence and the integration of different peoples into the covenant community of Israel. This union exemplifies the broader biblical narrative of God's plan unfolding through diverse and unexpected means. It also reflects the historical reality of intermarriage and alliances between neighboring nations in the ancient Near East.

Genealogical Importance:
The genealogical record in 1 Chronicles underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. Mered's marriage to Bithiah and their offspring are noted among the descendants of Judah, emphasizing the continuity of the tribe and its significance in the history of Israel. The mention of Bithiah as the daughter of Pharaoh adds a layer of prestige and complexity to the genealogy, suggesting a blending of royal Egyptian and Israelite bloodlines.

Interpretative Challenges:
The identification of Pharaoh and the historical context of Bithiah's marriage to Mered remain subjects of scholarly inquiry. Some propose that this Pharaoh could be one of the rulers during the late Second Intermediate Period or early New Kingdom, though definitive identification is elusive due to the lack of specific chronological markers in the biblical text.

Conclusion:
While the figure of Pharaoh as the father-in-law of Mered is not extensively detailed in the Bible, his mention provides a glimpse into the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the unfolding of God's purposes through diverse relationships. The narrative invites readers to consider the broader implications of God's work through history, transcending cultural and national boundaries.

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1 Chronicles 4:18
And his wife Jehudijah bore Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took.
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