The Hebrew word Maṭrîy, represented by H4309, is the name of an Israelite family. Based on the root word for "rainy," it appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole appearance serves to identify a specific family within the tribe of Benjamin during a pivotal moment in Israel's history.
The single biblical context for H4309 is the selection of Israel's first king in 1 Samuel 10:21. In this narrative, the tribe of Benjamin H1144 is caused to come near H7126, and from its families H4940, the family of Matri is taken H3920 by lot. This process of elimination ultimately identifies Saul H7586, the son H1121 of Kish H7027, as the one chosen to be king. The mention of Matri is a crucial genealogical step in this divine appointment.
Several related words provide context for the selection process involving the family of Matri:
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family): This word, used for the family of Matri, denotes a circle of relatives and is the foundational social unit through which Saul is identified 1 Samuel 10:21.
- H3920 lâkad (taken): This term describes the selection of the family of Matri and then Saul. Its definition includes "to choose (by lot)," which is precisely the method used in this event 1 Samuel 10:21.
- H1144 Binyâmîyn (Benjamin): This is the tribe to which the family of Matri and Saul belonged. The name means "son of (the) right hand" 1 Samuel 10:21.
- H7586 Shâʼûwl (Saul): The individual identified through the lineage of Matri. His name means "asked," and he was a member of this family 1 Samuel 10:21.
- H7027 Qîysh (Kish): The father of Saul and a member of the Matrite family, establishing the direct parentage of Israel's first king 1 Samuel 10:21.
The theological weight of H4309 is found entirely in its role within the narrative of divine selection.
- Genealogical Marker for Kingship: The family of Matri is significant because it is the specific clan chosen by God to produce Israel's first monarch. It serves as a key link in the chain of identification, narrowing the choice from a tribe H7626 to a family H4940 and then to an individual 1 Samuel 10:21.
- Divine Providence in Human Structures: The use of the Matrite family in the selection process illustrates how God works through established societal structures. His sovereign choice was revealed not by a random miracle, but through the orderly system of Israelite tribes and families.
- Specificity of God's Choice: By naming the family of Matri, the text emphasizes the precise and deliberate nature of God's plan. Saul's appointment was not an accident but a specific calling tied to his lineage within the tribe of Benjamin H1144.
In summary, H4309 Maṭrîy is a name that, while appearing only once, carries significant weight in its context. It is not the subject of extensive doctrine but functions as a critical genealogical marker in the biblical account of Saul's anointing. The mention of this family highlights the specific, orderly, and divinely guided process that established the monarchy in Israel, showing how God's purpose unfolds through the designated lineages of His people.
TRV