The Hebrew word Mêyshâʼ, represented by H4331, is used to identify an Israelite and is defined as "departure." The base definition also notes it can refer to a place in Arabia. This word is extremely rare, appearing only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible.
The sole appearance of H4331 is within a genealogical list in 1 Chronicles. In this context, Mesha is named as one of the individuals begotten by a man with his wife, Hodesh H2321. The verse lists him alongside others who were begotten, including Jobab, Zibia, and Malcham 1 Chronicles 8:9. The usage is strictly as a proper name within a record of lineage.
Several related words from its only biblical context help to frame its meaning:
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young; beget): This primitive root verb establishes the act of procreation that places Mesha within the genealogy. The text states that he was begotten 1 Chronicles 8:9 by his father.
- H802 ʼishshâh (a woman; wife): This term identifies Hodesh as the wife and mother of Mesha and his siblings 1 Chronicles 8:9. The word is fundamental to the concept of family, as established in passages like Genesis 2:24.
- H3103 Yôwbâb (Jobab): This name identifies one of the individuals listed alongside Mesha 1 Chronicles 8:9. The name Jobab also appears in other significant genealogies, including as a son of Joktan Genesis 10:29 and as a king of Edom Genesis 36:33.
- H4445 Malkâm (Malcham): Another individual listed with Mesha 1 Chronicles 8:9. This name is notably similar to Milcom, the national idol of the Ammonites, which King Solomon was condemned for worshipping 1 Kings 11:5.
While H4331 itself does not carry significant theological weight, its placement within a biblical genealogy is important for several reasons:
- Preservation of Heritage: Mesha's inclusion in the biblical record, however brief, highlights the scriptural importance of lineage. Genealogies serve to document and preserve the family lines that constitute the people of Israel 1 Chronicles 8:9.
- A Piece of the Record: The mention of Mesha contributes to the vast and detailed ancestral records of the Old Testament. These lists affirm the historical continuity and identity of God's people.
- Context of Names: The name appears in a list that includes Malcham H4445. This name is also associated with the idol Milcom 1 Kings 11:5, illustrating how personal names within Israel could sometimes echo names from surrounding cultures, including those of foreign gods.
In summary, H4331 Mêyshâʼ is a proper name appearing a single time in a genealogical list. Its significance is derived entirely from this context, where it serves as a marker of an individual within a recorded lineage. While not a major theological term, its presence demonstrates the Bible's meticulous concern for preserving the heritage and family lines of the Israelite people, showing that every name in the record is a part of the larger scriptural narrative.
TRV