The Hebrew proper name Miqlôwth, represented by H4732, is primarily used to identify a specific individual in the Old Testament. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the biblical record. While its base definition is derived from the plural of a word meaning "rods," its usage in scripture is exclusively as a personal name.
In the biblical narrative, H4732 identifies a man who holds roles of both military leadership and genealogical importance. He is named as "the ruler" over a monthly military division, serving under King David's organized army structure 1 Chronicles 27:4. In separate passages, he is listed as a father who begat sons, with the text noting that his family dwelt alongside their relatives in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 8:32, 1 Chronicles 9:38). His inclusion in these genealogies solidifies his place within the lineage of the tribes of Israel.
Several related words help clarify the context of Miqlôwth's life and roles:
- H5057 nâgîyd (captain, chief, ruler): This word is used to describe Miqlôwth's position as a military ruler 1 Chronicles 27:4. It denotes a commander or leader appointed over a group of people, as when Saul was anointed to be captain over Israel 1 Samuel 9:16.
- H4256 machălôqeth (course, division, portion): This term defines the organized military course over which Miqlôwth presided 1 Chronicles 27:4. These divisions were a key feature of the administration of the kingdom, used for both priests and soldiers 2 Chronicles 8:14.
- H3205 yâlad (to beget, bear): This verb is used twice to establish Miqlôwth's role as a father, stating that he begat Shimeah and Shimeam (1 Chronicles 8:32, 1 Chronicles 9:38). This word is fundamental to showing lineage throughout scripture, from the promise that a son would be born Isaiah 9:6 to the declaration "this day have I begotten thee" Psalms 2:7.
- H251 ʼâch (brother): Miqlôwth's family is noted as dwelling with their brethren in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 8:32, 1 Chronicles 9:38). This emphasizes kinship and community, highlighting the importance of family ties.
- H3389 Yᵉrûwshâlaim (Jerusalem): The text specifies that Miqlôwth and his family lived in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 8:32, 1 Chronicles 9:38), grounding his lineage in the central city of Israel.
The brief appearances of H4732 contribute to the broader biblical themes of order, lineage, and community.
- Administrative Order: Miqlôwth's role as a military ruler over a specific course demonstrates the highly organized civil and military structure established during David's reign, where individuals were appointed to specific duties 1 Chronicles 27:4.
- Genealogical Identity: His inclusion in the genealogies of Chronicles is vital. By being named as one who begat children, his line is preserved, reinforcing the scriptural emphasis on ancestry and inheritance.
- Community and Place: The detail that he and his sons dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem highlights the importance of living in community with one's kin and anchors his family's identity to the holy city.
In summary, H4732 is more than just a name in a genealogical list. It identifies a person, Mikloth, who was both a military leader and the head of a family line. His story, though concise, provides a clear example of the roles individuals played within the structured society of ancient Israel. The references to him underscore the biblical values of orderly administration, the preservation of lineage, and the importance of kinship within the central city of Jerusalem.
TRV