The Hebrew term Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchôwth, represented by H2679, identifies an Israelite people group. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The name is derived from the Hebrew words for "half" H2677 and "resting-places," and is translated as half of the Manahethites.
The single appearance of H2679 is in a genealogical listing in 1 Chronicles 2:52. The verse states, "And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons; Haroeh, and half of the Manahethites." This context firmly places the Manahethites as descendants of Shobal, who himself was a descendant of Judah 1 Chronicles 4:1. The term is used not as a personal name, but to identify a specific portion of a larger family or clan.
Several related words help clarify the context of H2679 within its single biblical reference:
- H2677 chêtsîy (half, middle): This word forms the first part of H2679 and is explicitly used in the verse to denote a division. It signifies that the Manahethites mentioned are one part of a larger whole 1 Chronicles 2:52.
- H7732 Shôwbâl (overflowing): Shobal is identified as the progenitor of this group. He is also described as "the father of Kirjathjearim," indicating his role as a founder or chief figure 1 Chronicles 2:52.
- H7204 Rôʼêh (prophet): Listed as a son of Shobal alongside the Manahethites, establishing a direct familial relationship within the genealogy 1 Chronicles 2:52.
- H7157 Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym (city of forests): This is the place for which Shobal was the "father," connecting his lineage to a specific and significant town in Judah 1 Chronicles 2:52.
The significance of H2679 is primarily genealogical and historical, rather than theological. It plays a role in defining the lineage and settlement of the tribe of Judah.
- Clan Identification: The term demonstrates the biblical practice of precisely recording family lines and clan divisions. The specific mention of "half" suggests a formal division of a family group, which may have implications for inheritance or geography.
- Genealogical Connection: Its appearance in 1 Chronicles links this specific group to the lineage of Judah through Shobal 1 Chronicles 4:1, solidifying their place within the broader Israelite covenant community.
- Foundational Ancestry: By being identified as descendants of Shobal H7732, the "father of Kirjathjearim" 1 Chronicles 2:52, the Manahethites are connected to the founding of a historically important city.
In summary, H2679 is a unique term in the Bible used to identify a specific clan known as "half of the Manahethites." Its sole occurrence in 1 Chronicles 2:52 is vital for genealogical mapping, establishing this group as descendants of Shobal, the founder of Kirjathjearim, within the tribe of Judah. The word itself, combining "half" and a clan name, underscores the detailed nature of biblical records concerning family and tribal structure.
TRV