### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Melek**, represented by `{{H4429}}`, is defined as **king** and is used as the name of two Israelites. It is the same as the word **melek** `{{H4428}}`, and can appear as **Hammelech** when the article is included. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4429}}` is used exclusively as a proper name. It appears in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles as **Melech**, one of the sons of Micah ([[1 Chronicles 8:35]], [[1 Chronicles 9:41]]). It is also used in the form **Hammelech**, identifying the father of Jerahmeel. This Jerahmeel was an official who was commanded by the king to arrest the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe, Baruch [[Jeremiah 36:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning and use of `{{H4429}}`:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king; king, royal): This is the base word from which `{{H4429}}` is derived. It is used extensively to refer to earthly rulers and, significantly, to the LORD as the **King** over all the earth [[Zechariah 14:9]].
* `{{H6680}}` **tsâvâh** ((give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment)): This verb for "command" is central to the account involving Hammelech, where the king **commanded** his officers to seize the prophet Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 36:26]].
* `{{H8018}}` **Shelemyâh** (Shelemiah): The name of an Israelite who was one of the men, along with Jerahmeel son of Hammelech, who received the king's command to take Baruch and Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 36:26]].
* `{{H8304}}` **Sᵉrâyâh** (Seraiah): The name of another official commanded by the king to participate in the arrest of the prophet and his scribe [[Jeremiah 36:26]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4429}}` is a proper name, its root meaning of "king" ties into significant theological themes.
* **Contrast of Kingship:** The name **Melech** appears in a context that directly contrasts the authority of an earthly king with the power of God. The king `{{H4428}}` gave a command involving the son of **Hammelech** `{{H4429}}` to seize God's prophet, but the narrative states that "the LORD hid them" [[Jeremiah 36:26]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The related word **melek** `{{H4428}}` is foundational to understanding God's authority. Scripture explicitly refers to the LORD as the **King** of Israel [[Isaiah 44:6]], whose reign is absolute and eternal.
* **Human Authority:** The role of the human **king** `{{H4428}}` is consistently portrayed in relation to God. The dossier shows King Jehoshaphat being told a battle belongs to God, not to him or his great multitude [[2 Chronicles 20:15]], underscoring that earthly power is subordinate to divine will.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4429}}` **Melech** is a proper name derived from the Hebrew word for **king**. Its limited biblical appearances place it within genealogical records and, most notably, in an event where an earthly king’s authority is challenged by God's protection of His prophets [[Jeremiah 36:26]]. While not a major theological term itself, its meaning connects it directly to the much larger biblical theme of kingship, highlighting the distinction between the fallible commands of human rulers and the ultimate sovereignty of the LORD, the **King** over all the earth [[Zechariah 14:9]].
TRV