1 Chronicles 9:40

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 {H4810} 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, who 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 9:40 serves as a succinct genealogical entry within a comprehensive record of post-exilic Jerusalem's inhabitants, specifically detailing the lineage of King Saul through his son Jonathan. This verse names Jonathan's son, Meribbaal, and Meribbaal's son, Micah, contributing to the Chronicler's meticulous preservation of tribal and royal heritage. Far from a mere listing, it implicitly connects the returning exiles to their historical roots, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant promises and the enduring identity of Israel, even through periods of national upheaval and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9 is primarily a detailed register of those who returned from Babylonian exile and resettled in Jerusalem and other towns. Following the extensive genealogies of chapters 1-8, chapter 9 shifts focus to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the temple personnel, emphasizing the re-establishment of community and worship. Verses 35-44, where 9:40 is situated, provide a reiteration and expansion of the genealogy of King Saul's family, which was previously introduced in [1 Chronicles 8:29-38](/1-chronicles/8-29 "1 Chronicles 8:29-38 - Genealogy of Saul"). This repetition underscores the importance of the royal line and its connection to the post-exilic community, ensuring that the heritage of all tribes, including the first king's family, was preserved. The inclusion of Jonathan's line, specifically Meribbaal, links the foundational history of the monarchy to the present reality of the returning exiles.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile, likely during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). For the returning exiles, understanding their lineage was paramount. Genealogies served multiple critical functions: establishing land claims, confirming tribal identity, validating priestly and Levitical service, and reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. The meticulous record-keeping, as seen in this chapter, provided a sense of stability and identity for a people rebuilding their national and spiritual life. The name "Meribbaal" itself carries significant historical and cultural weight, as it is a variant of "Mephibosheth" found in [2 Samuel 9](/2-samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"). The alteration from "Baal" (a Canaanite deity) to "Bosheth" (meaning "shame" or "idolatry") reflects a post-exilic theological sensitivity, aiming to distance Israelite figures from any association with pagan worship, especially after the nation had suffered for its idolatry.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, **Genealogical Continuity** is central, emphasizing the unbroken line of Israel's tribes and leaders, assuring the exiles of their heritage and God's enduring plan. Secondly, it subtly reinforces **Divine Faithfulness** through human covenant. The inclusion of Meribbaal, a descendant of Jonathan, implicitly points to David's covenant with Jonathan (recounted in [1 Samuel 20:12-17](/1-samuel/20-12 "1 Samuel 20:12-17 - David and Jonathan's Covenant")) and David's subsequent kindness to Meribbaal ([2 Samuel 9:1-13](/2-samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1-13 - David's Covenant Loyalty to Mephibosheth")), demonstrating how God's broader covenant promises are mirrored in human fidelity. Thirdly, the Chronicler's work serves as a **Historical and Spiritual Record**, providing a comprehensive account that reminds the returning community of their identity, their past failures, and God's unwavering commitment to His people, encouraging them to live faithfully in the present.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meribbaal (Hebrew, _mĕrîb baʿal_):** This name literally means "contender with Baal" or "Baal strives." It is a significant name because in other parts of the Old Testament, particularly in [2 Samuel](/2-samuel "The Book of 2 Samuel"), the same individual is consistently referred to as Mephibosheth (מְפִיבֹשֶׁת, _mĕpîbōšeṯ_), meaning "from the mouth of shame" or "dispeller of shame." The shift from "Baal" to "Bosheth" is a deliberate theological emendation, likely made by the Chronicler or earlier scribes, to avoid any association with the pagan deity Baal, whose worship was a constant source of apostasy and judgment for Israel. This linguistic choice reflects a post-exilic sensitivity and a desire to purify the historical record from any perceived taint of idolatry, even in names.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the son of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal:"** This clause identifies Meribbaal as the direct son of Jonathan, King Saul's beloved son and David's loyal friend. This connection is crucial, as Meribbaal's significance in biblical history stems almost entirely from his relationship to Jonathan and, by extension, to David's covenant with Jonathan. The Chronicler's inclusion of this specific lineage emphasizes the continuity of the royal house of Saul, even though the Davidic line was now preeminent. It also sets the stage for understanding the later narrative of David's kindness to Meribbaal, which is a powerful illustration of covenant fidelity.
* **"and Meribbaal begat Micah."** This second clause extends the lineage one generation further, naming Micah as Meribbaal's son. This detail reinforces the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's genealogical record. It demonstrates the enduring nature of families and the transmission of heritage through generations, even for a line that had lost its royal power. For the returning exiles, such precise records were vital for establishing identity, land rights, and tribal affiliations, ensuring the proper reconstruction of their society and the continuation of their covenant relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in the naming convention within this verse, especially when compared to parallel accounts, is **Theological Emendation** or **Euphemism**. The Chronicler's choice to use "Meribbaal" (or its implied understanding in the original context) while other texts use "Mephibosheth" highlights a deliberate alteration of a name to avoid association with a pagan deity. This is not merely a linguistic preference but a theological statement reflecting the post-exilic community's strong anti-idolatry stance. The very act of meticulously recording **Genealogies** is itself a literary and historical device in ancient Near Eastern literature, serving to establish legitimacy, identity, and historical continuity. The repetitive, formulaic structure of "X begat Y" found throughout this chapter (and the book) is a form of **Anaphora** that creates a rhythmic, authoritative tone, reinforcing the unbroken chain of generations and the reliability of the historical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:40, while a simple genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight when understood within the broader biblical narrative. It subtly points to the enduring nature of covenant and God's faithfulness, even through human instruments. Meribbaal's existence and his place in this lineage are a testament to David's unwavering commitment to his covenant with Jonathan, a commitment that mirrors God's own fidelity to His promises. This verse reminds us that God works through generations, preserving a remnant and fulfilling His purposes even when human plans falter. The detailed recording of lineages, especially of those who might seem "forgotten" or marginalized (like Meribbaal, who was lame and from a fallen royal house), underscores God's meticulous care for His people and His remembrance of His covenants. This divine faithfulness is the bedrock upon which the hope of the returning exiles was built, assuring them that their heritage and future were secure in God's hands.

* [1 Samuel 20:14-15](/1-samuel/20-14 "Jonathan's Request to David Regarding His Descendants")
* [2 Samuel 9:1-7](/2-samuel/9-1 "David's Kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's Son")
* [Psalm 89:34](/psalm/89-34 "God's Unchanging Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly obscure genealogical verse, when viewed through the lens of God's overarching narrative, offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the profound value God places on history, heritage, and the continuity of His redemptive plan across generations. Just as the returning exiles found their identity and hope in their meticulously recorded past, we are called to appreciate our spiritual heritage—the lineage of faith passed down through the ages, culminating in Christ. We are part of a grand story, not isolated individuals. Furthermore, the implicit connection to David's covenant with Jonathan and his kindness to Meribbaal serves as a powerful illustration of faithfulness. It teaches us the importance of keeping our promises, not just to people, but as reflections of God's unwavering faithfulness to His own covenants. Even in our brokenness or perceived insignificance, like Meribbaal's lameness, God remembers us and extends grace, often through the covenant promises of others. This verse encourages us to look for God's hand in the seemingly mundane details of life and history, trusting that He is meticulously weaving together His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your spiritual heritage (the story of faith that precedes you) shape your identity as a believer today?**
* **In what ways can you demonstrate faithfulness to your commitments, mirroring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenants?**
* **How does God's remembrance of Meribbaal, a seemingly "forgotten" figure, encourage you about His care for those who feel overlooked or marginalized?**

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

Answer: The individual named Meribbaal in [1 Chronicles 9:40](/1-chronicles/9-40 "1 Chronicles 9:40 - Meribbaal, Son of Jonathan") is indeed the same person known as Mephibosheth in [2 Samuel 4:4](/2-samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth, Son of Jonathan") and throughout [2 Samuel 9](/2-samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"). The difference in names is primarily due to a theological sensitivity on the part of the Chronicler or earlier scribes. The name "Meribbaal" contains "Baal," which was the name of a prominent Canaanite storm god, a pagan deity whose worship was strongly condemned in Israel. After the exile, there was an intensified aversion to anything associated with idolatry. Therefore, the "Baal" component was often replaced with "Bosheth," meaning "shame" or "idolatry," transforming the name to "Mephibosheth" (meaning something like "dispeller of shame" or "from the mouth of shame"). This change served to distance the revered lineage of Jonathan from any perceived connection to pagan worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:40 is a genealogical entry, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the themes it implicitly carries: covenant faithfulness, the preservation of a lineage, and the restoration of the marginalized. David's unwavering commitment to his covenant with Jonathan, leading to the gracious restoration of Meribbaal, foreshadows God's ultimate and eternal covenant of grace established through Jesus Christ. Just as Meribbaal, lame and from a fallen house, was brought into the king's presence and ate at his table because of a covenant, so too are believers, spiritually impoverished and alienated by sin, brought into the presence of the King of Kings through the new covenant sealed by Christ's blood. The meticulous preservation of genealogies in Chronicles ultimately points to the unbroken lineage that culminates in Jesus, the true Son of David, who fulfills all the promises made to Abraham and David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus")). He is the one who truly takes away our shame and brings us into His eternal kingdom, not based on our merit, but on His perfect covenant fidelity and sacrificial love ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). In Christ, the "forgotten" and the "lame" are remembered, healed, and given an inheritance that far surpasses any earthly claim ([Ephesians 2:4-7](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-7 - God's Grace in Christ")).

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

1 Chronicles 8:34

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

1 Chronicles 8:36

And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,

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.