from מֶלֶךְ and שׁוּעַ; king of wealth; Malkishua, an Israelite; Malchishua.
Transliteration:Malkîyshûwaʻ
Pronunciation:mal-kee-shoo'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מַלְכִּישׁוּעַ (Malkîyshûwaʻ, `{{H4444}}`) is a compound proper noun, primarily functioning as a personal name. Its etymology provides insight into its meaning. The name is formed from two distinct elements:
1. **מֶלֶךְ (melek, `{{H4428}}`):** This is the common Hebrew word for "king" or "ruler." It denotes authority, sovereignty, and kingship.
2. **שׁוּעַ (shûwaʻ):** This element is less straightforward, but generally understood in this context to relate to "wealth," "riches," or "salvation/deliverance." It can be connected to roots like `{{H7773}}` (meaning "wealth" or "riches") or potentially `{{H7770}}` (related to "crying out," implying a cry for help or salvation).
Combining these elements, the name Malkishua is most commonly interpreted as "My king is wealth" or "King of wealth." The nuance suggests that the king (either human or divine) is the source or embodiment of prosperity, abundance, or perhaps even deliverance. Given the context of its biblical bearer, it likely conveyed a hopeful aspiration for a prosperous and secure reign.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Malkishua (מַלְכִּישׁוּעַ, `{{H4444}}`) appears exclusively in the Old Testament as the name of one of King Saul's sons. His presence in the biblical narrative is primarily defined by his lineage and his tragic end alongside his father.
His occurrences are found in:
* **[[1 Samuel 14:49]]**: This verse introduces him as one of Saul's three notable sons: "And the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishvi, and Malchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal." Here, he is listed among the direct offspring of Israel's first king.
* **[[1 Samuel 31:2]]**: This is a pivotal passage recording his death. "And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons." This verse details his demise in the battle of Mount Gilboa, where he, along with his brothers Jonathan and Abinadab (also called Ishvi in [[1 Samuel 14:49]]), and his father Saul, perished at the hands of the Philistines. This event marked the end of Saul's reign and the transition to Davidic kingship.
* **[[1 Chronicles 8:33]]**: In the genealogical record of Benjamin, Malkishua is again listed as a son of Saul: "And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal." This confirms his place in the royal lineage.
* **[[1 Chronicles 9:39]]**: This verse reiterates the same genealogical information: "And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal."
The consistent mention of Malkishua in these passages underscores his identity as a member of Saul's immediate family and his shared fate in the pivotal battle that ended the first monarchy. His life, as presented in scripture, is largely defined by his familial connection to Saul and his death in a moment of national crisis.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Malkishua naturally draws connections to several related Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **מֶלֶךְ (melek, `{{H4428}}`):** The foundational component of Malkishua's name, "king," is central to understanding the biblical narrative. It points to the institution of kingship in Israel, both human (Saul, David) and divine (Yahweh as the ultimate King). The name "King of wealth" could be seen as an aspiration for a prosperous monarchy under Saul.
* **שׁוּעַ (shûwaʻ, related to `{{H7773}}` or `{{H7770}}`):** While the precise etymology of the second element is debated, its connection to "wealth," "riches," or "salvation/deliverance" is key. If "wealth," it speaks to material prosperity or abundance. If "salvation," it implies deliverance or help. In either case, it points to a desirable state or outcome that a king might provide or embody.
* **Names of Saul's other sons:**
* **Jonathan (יְהוֹנָתָן, `{{H3083}}`):** "Yahweh has given." This name reflects a divine blessing.
* **Abinadab (אֲבִינָדָב, `{{H41}}`):** "My father is willing/noble."
* **Ishvi (יִשְׁוִי, `{{H3440}}`):** "He will resemble me" or "man of Yahweh."
* **Eshbaal (אֶשְׁבַּעַל, `{{H703}}`):** "Man of Baal," later often rendered Ish-bosheth (אִישׁ בֹּשֶׁת, `{{H3789}}`), "man of shame," reflecting a theological aversion to the name of Baal.
The names of Saul's children often carry aspirational or theological meanings, reflecting the hopes or circumstances of their birth. Malkishua's name, "King of wealth," would have been a hopeful declaration for the prosperity and success of Saul's nascent monarchy.
* **The failure of Saul's dynasty:** The tragic end of Malkishua and his brothers on Mount Gilboa is intrinsically linked to the broader narrative of Saul's rejection by God ([[1 Samuel 15:23]]) and the transfer of the kingdom to David. The hopeful meaning of "King of wealth" for Malkishua's name stands in stark contrast to the ultimate spiritual and political bankruptcy of Saul's reign.
### Theological Significance
The name Malkishua, meaning "My king is wealth" or "King of wealth," carries profound theological irony when considered in the context of Saul's reign and its ultimate demise.
1. **Ironic Contrast:** The name itself is aspirational, suggesting prosperity and divine favor. However, the life of Malkishua, as recorded in scripture, culminates in a catastrophic defeat and death alongside his father and brothers. This stark contrast highlights the fleeting nature of human-derived "wealth" and power when it is not in alignment with God's will. Saul's kingdom, though initially established, lacked the enduring spiritual foundation that characterized the Davidic covenant.
2. **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Ambition:** The narrative of Saul's fall, which includes the death of Malkishua, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's ultimate sovereignty. The "wealth" and security of a kingdom are not inherent in the human king or his lineage, but are gifts from Yahweh. When a king disobeys or deviates from God's commands, even a name like "King of wealth" cannot guarantee enduring prosperity or success.
3. **True Wealth in God:** From a broader biblical perspective, true "wealth" and "salvation" are found not in earthly kingship or material abundance, but in the divine King, Yahweh. The failure of Saul's line, despite the hopeful meaning of Malkishua's name, underscores that lasting blessing and security flow from obedience to God and reliance on His divine provision. This narrative prefigures the ultimate Messianic King, Jesus Christ, whose reign brings true spiritual wealth and eternal salvation, far surpassing any earthly prosperity.
4. **A Name as a Prophetic Statement:** In a subtle way, Malkishua's name can be seen as a prophetic statement that, while perhaps intended to bless Saul's reign, ultimately points to the truth that only God is the true "King of wealth" and the source of all enduring blessing.
### Summary
Malkishua (מַלְכִּישׁוּעַ, `{{H4444}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "King of wealth" or "My king is wealth," derived from מֶלֶךְ (king, `{{H4428}}`) and שׁוּעַ (wealth/salvation, related to `{{H7773}}`). He is identified in the Old Testament as one of the sons of King Saul, appearing in [[1 Samuel 14:49]], [[1 Samuel 31:2]], [[1 Chronicles 8:33]], and [[1 Chronicles 9:39]]. His most significant biblical mention is his death alongside his father and brothers (Jonathan and Abinadab) in the decisive battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa ([[1 Samuel 31:2]]). The hopeful meaning of his name stands in poignant contrast to the tragic and ultimately failed reign of his father, King Saul. Theologically, Malkishua's name and fate serve as an ironic commentary on the transient nature of human power and prosperity apart from divine favor, implicitly pointing to Yahweh as the ultimate "King of wealth" and the true source of lasting blessing and salvation.
TRV