### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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