### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Malkîyshûwaʻ**, represented by `{{H4444}}`, means **king of wealth**. This name belongs to an Israelite figure, Malchishua. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively in relation to his identity as a son of King Saul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Malchishua is identified as one of the sons of King Saul `{{H7586}}`. He is first introduced in a list of Saul's children, alongside his brothers Jonathan `{{H3129}}` and Ishui [[1 Samuel 14:49]]. His place in Saul's lineage is further established in the genealogies recorded in Chronicles, where Saul `{{H7586}}` is said to have begat `{{H3205}}` Jonathan `{{H3083}}`, Malchishua `{{H4444}}`, Abinadab `{{H41}}`, and Eshbaal `{{H792}}` ([[1 Chronicles 8:33]], [[1 Chronicles 9:39]]). The narrative of Malchishua's life concludes tragically in battle. Both 1 Samuel and 1 Chronicles recount that the Philistines `{{H6430}}` "followed hard" `{{H1692}}` upon Saul and his sons, and ultimately slew `{{H5221}}` Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua ([[1 Samuel 31:2]], [[1 Chronicles 10:2]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context of Malchishua's life and death:
* `{{H7586}}` **Shâʼûwl** (asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites; Saul, Shaul): As Malchishua's father, King Saul is the central figure in his story. Every mention of Malchishua identifies him as one of "Saul's sons" [[1 Samuel 31:2]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word defines Malchishua's identity. He is consistently referred to as a **son** `{{H1121}}` of Saul, establishing his royal lineage and his fate being tied to his father's house [[1 Chronicles 10:2]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike... kill, make slaughter, slay): This verb describes the violent end of Malchishua and his brothers. The scriptures state that the Philistines **slew** `{{H5221}}` them in battle [[1 Samuel 31:2]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth; Philistine): The Philistines were the national enemies who pursued and killed Malchishua, his brothers, and his father, marking a decisive moment in Israel's history [[1 Chronicles 10:2]].
### Theological Significance
The character of Malchishua contributes to the biblical narrative in several key ways:
* **The Fall of Saul's Dynasty:** Malchishua's primary significance is his role in the tragic downfall of King Saul's royal house. His death alongside his father and brothers in a single battle marks the definitive end of Saul's reign.
* **Genealogical Record:** His inclusion in the official genealogies of Chronicles serves an important historical purpose, documenting the lineage of Saul `{{H7586}}` who was begat `{{H3205}}` by Kish `{{H7027}}` ([[1 Chronicles 8:33]], [[1 Chronicles 9:39]]). This preserves the record of Israel's first royal family within the larger tribal history.
* **A Casualty of War:** The story of Malchishua is a stark reminder of the consequences of the persistent conflict between Israel and the Philistines `{{H6430}}`. He is presented not as an independent actor, but as a son who perishes with his family in a national conflict.
### Summary
In summary, **Malkîyshûwaʻ** `{{H4444}}` is a figure defined entirely by his relationship to King Saul. Though his name means "king of wealth," his biblical account is one of lineage and loss, not power or prosperity. He appears exclusively in genealogical lists and in the narrative of his death at the hands of the Philistines `{{H6430}}`. His story is a key component in the biblical record of the tragic end of Israel's first royal dynasty.
TRV