1 Chronicles 8:34

KJV

And the son of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the son {H1121} of Jonathan {H3083} was Meribbaal {H4807}; and Meribbaal {H4807} begat {H3205} Micah {H4318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The son of Y'honatan was M'riv-Ba'al, and M'riv-Ba'al fathered Mikhah.

Berean Standard Bible

The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah.

American Standard Version

And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal begat Micah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 8:34 serves as a precise genealogical link within the extensive records of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically detailing the lineage of King Saul. This concise verse states, "And the son of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah," thereby connecting Jonathan, Saul's valiant son, to his descendant Meribbaal (also known as Mephibosheth) and then to Micah. It highlights the Chronicler's meticulous attention to ancestral lines, underscoring the enduring significance of family heritage and identity within ancient Israelite society, even for a royal line that had lost its throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lengthy genealogical chapters that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which serve as a foundational record for the post-exilic community. More specifically, it belongs to a detailed section (1 Chronicles 8:29-40) dedicated to the lineage of King Saul, tracing his descendants through his son Jonathan. This meticulous enumeration of names, including Meribbaal and Micah, establishes the continuity of families and tribes, providing a sense of identity and connection to their past for those returning from exile. The Chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies underscores the importance of tribal identity, land inheritance, and the legitimacy of leadership, setting the stage for the subsequent historical narrative of the kings of Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BC), a time when the Jewish people were re-establishing their identity and community in the land of Israel. Genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital legal and social documents that determined land rights, tribal affiliation, priestly qualifications, and the right to hold office. The inclusion of Meribbaal, a name containing "Baal" (a Canaanite deity), is particularly significant. In earlier periods, names incorporating deities were common, but after the exile, there was a stronger emphasis on monotheistic purity. The individual known as Meribbaal in Chronicles is consistently called Mephibosheth in the books of Samuel (e.g., [2 Samuel 4:4](/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth's Lameness")). This shift reflects a theological and cultural sensitivity in later Israelite society, where names associated with pagan gods were often altered or replaced to avoid any perceived endorsement of idolatry.
* **Key Themes:** One of the primary themes evident in 1 Chronicles 8:34 is **Genealogical Precision and Continuity**. The Chronicler's exhaustive record-keeping emphasizes the unbroken lineage of Israel's families, even through periods of national upheaval and exile. This serves to affirm the **Identity and Heritage** of the Jewish people, reminding them of their roots and God's faithfulness in preserving their tribal structures. Furthermore, the subtle but significant difference in names (Meribbaal vs. Mephibosheth) highlights a theme of **Theological Purity and Nomenclature Evolution**. It illustrates Israel's ongoing process of separating itself from pagan influences and solidifying its exclusive devotion to Yahweh, a process evident throughout the historical narratives from the time of the judges through the monarchy and into the post-exilic period, as seen in passages like [Joshua 24:14-15](/joshua/24-14 "Joshua 24:14-15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve") and [1 Kings 18:21](/1_kings/18-21 "1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah's Challenge on Mount Carmel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meribbaal (Hebrew, _mᵉrîḇ baʿal'_):** This name is composed of two elements: "merîḇ" (מְרִיב), meaning "contender" or "advocate," and "Baal" (בַּעַל), the name of a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god. Thus, Meribbaal literally means "Baal contends" or "Baal is my advocate." Its preservation in 1 Chronicles, while the books of Samuel use "Mephibosheth," is a fascinating linguistic and theological detail. It suggests the Chronicler may have had access to older records or chose to retain the original form, providing insight into the naming conventions of an earlier era when the name Baal was not yet exclusively associated with paganism but could also simply mean "lord" or "master."
* **Micah (Hebrew, _mîḵāh'_):** A common Hebrew name, meaning "Who is like Yahweh?" or "Who is like God?" This name, unlike Meribbaal, explicitly incorporates a divine element, "Yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh), reflecting a Yahwistic piety. The inclusion of Micah in this lineage is significant as his descendants are further detailed in 1 Chronicles 8:35-38, showing the continuation and flourishing of this branch of Saul's family even after the shift of the monarchy to David's line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the son of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal":** This clause directly establishes the paternal link from Jonathan, King Saul's son, to Meribbaal. It is a straightforward genealogical statement, typical of the Chronicler's method of tracing lineages. The parenthetical "[was]" indicates it is supplied for clarity in English, as the Hebrew often omits the copula. This connection is crucial for understanding the continuation of Saul's line, even though the royal succession passed to David.
* **"and Meribbaal begat Micah":** This second clause extends the lineage one more generation, identifying Micah as Meribbaal's son. The verb "begat" (וַיּוֹלֶד, _vayyôled_) is a standard genealogical term, signifying direct paternal descent. Together, these two clauses provide a concise but vital link in the family tree, ensuring that the record of Saul's descendants is complete and continuous, leading into the detailed list of Micah's sons and their habitations in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 8:34, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form that serves to establish identity, legitimate claims, and demonstrate continuity. The Chronicler employs this device meticulously to connect the post-exilic community to their ancestral roots, emphasizing their place within God's covenant history. A significant sub-device is **Nomenclature Shift**, specifically seen in the alternative name for Meribbaal (Mephibosheth in Samuel). This shift reflects a **Theological Reinterpretation** or purification, where names associated with pagan deities were later modified to reflect a more exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The very conciseness of the verse, packing multiple generations into a single statement, also demonstrates the Chronicler's **Economical Narration**, providing maximal information with minimal words, a characteristic of ancient record-keeping.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 8:34, though a seemingly simple genealogical entry, powerfully connects to broader theological and thematic currents within Scripture. It underscores God's meticulous attention to human lineage, not merely as a historical record but as a canvas upon which His covenant faithfulness unfolds. The preservation of Saul's line, even after the kingdom was transferred to David, hints at a divine providence that oversees all families and nations. Moreover, the dual naming of Meribbaal/Mephibosheth highlights the ongoing process of Israel's spiritual purification and its move away from syncretistic practices towards exclusive worship of Yahweh, a journey that defines much of its biblical narrative. This verse, therefore, is a micro-example of God's overarching plan to preserve a people for Himself, through whom His redemptive purposes would ultimately be realized.

* [2 Samuel 9:6-7](/2_samuel/9-6 "2 Samuel 9:6-7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")
* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a single genealogical verse might appear distant from daily life, 1 Chronicles 8:34 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our lives are part of a larger story, a grand narrative of God's faithfulness across generations. Just as the Chronicler meticulously recorded these lineages to establish identity and heritage for the returning exiles, so too are we called to understand our spiritual heritage in Christ, recognizing that we are grafted into a rich history of faith. The subtle shift from "Meribbaal" to "Mephibosheth" also serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journey: a movement away from associations that might bring shame or compromise our devotion, towards a deeper identification with Christ, who "scatters our shame." This verse encourages us to value our spiritual roots, to understand the continuity of God's work through history, and to consider the "names" or identities we carry, ensuring they align with our calling in Christ. It prompts us to reflect on the legacy we are building, not just for ourselves, but for future generations of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies deepen your appreciation for God's sovereign oversight of history?**
* **In what ways does your personal or family heritage inform your identity, and how does your spiritual heritage in Christ transcend or transform that identity?**
* **What "names" or associations in your life might need to be "scattered" or re-evaluated in light of your devotion to Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is Meribbaal called Mephibosheth in other parts of the Bible?**

Answer: The individual identified as Meribbaal in 1 Chronicles 8:34 is indeed the same person known as Mephibosheth in the books of Samuel (e.g., [2 Samuel 4:4](/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth, Son of Jonathan")). This difference in nomenclature is a significant point of interest for biblical scholars and reflects a theological and cultural sensitivity that developed in ancient Israel. The name "Meribbaal" means "Baal contends" or "Baal is my advocate," incorporating the name of the Canaanite deity Baal. While "Baal" could sometimes simply mean "lord" or "master" in a general sense, over time, especially after the fervent prophetic movements against idolatry (e.g., [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal")), the name became inextricably linked with pagan worship. Therefore, to avoid any association with idolatry, later scribes or oral traditions often altered names containing "Baal" to more acceptable forms. "Mephibosheth" (מְפִיבֹשֶׁת, _mᵉp̄îḇōšeṯ_) means "one who scatters shame" or "dispeller of shame." The Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, sometimes preserved older forms (like Meribbaal), perhaps from earlier source materials, while the books of Samuel, perhaps reflecting a later redaction or a different tradition, used the modified form. This phenomenon is not unique to this individual; for instance, Ish-bosheth (Saul's son) is called Ish-baal in 1 Chronicles 8:33. This linguistic shift powerfully illustrates Israel's ongoing theological purification and its journey towards exclusive monotheism.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found in 1 Chronicles, including the specific mention of Meribbaal (Mephibosheth) and Micah, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These ancient records, seemingly dry lists of names, underscore God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His sovereign preservation of a lineage through which the Messiah would come. Just as the Chronicler painstakingly traced the lines of Israel, the Gospels of [Matthew](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus") provide the genealogies of Jesus, demonstrating His rightful claim as the Son of David and the promised heir. Furthermore, the story of Mephibosheth (Meribbaal), a lame descendant of Saul, brought to eat at King David's table (as recounted in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")), serves as a profound type of Christ's grace. Just as David, out of covenant loyalty, extended unconditional kindness to Mephibosheth, so too does Christ, the greater Son of David, extend His unmerited favor to us. We, who were spiritually crippled and alienated by sin, are brought into the King's presence, seated at His table, and made "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The very name "Mephibosheth," meaning "dispeller of shame," beautifully foreshadows Christ's work on the cross, where He bore our shame and disgrace, ultimately scattering it forever, so that we might be clothed in His righteousness and brought into eternal communion with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 4:4

And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name [was] Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9:12

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name [was] Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba [were] servants unto Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9:10

Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in [the fruits], that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

2 Samuel 9:6

Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

2 Samuel 19:24

¶ And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came [again] in peace.

2 Samuel 19:30

And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.