The Hebrew name Palṭîyʼêl, represented by H6409, means deliverance of God. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. This name is assigned to two different Israelites, and an alternate spelling, Phaltiel, is also used in scripture.
In the biblical narrative, H6409 identifies two individuals in very different circumstances. The first, spelled Phaltiel, is mentioned as the husband H376 of Michal, who was taken H3947 from him by Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 3:15. The second individual, Paltiel, is named as a prince H5387 of the tribe H4294 of Issachar and the son H1121 of Azzan Numbers 34:26.
Several related words help to understand the context of the two men named Paltiel:
- H5387 nâsîyʼ (prince): This word, meaning "an exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik," is the title given to Paltiel of Issachar, identifying his role as a leader Numbers 34:26.
- H376 ʼîysh (man): Defined as "a man as an individual or a male person," this word is used to describe Phaltiel's status as a "husband" in the account of his wife being taken 2 Samuel 3:15.
- H1121 bên (son): Meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," this term is used to establish the lineage of both individuals named Paltiel.
- H378 ʼÎysh-Bôsheth (man of shame): This is the name of Saul's son who sent H7971 for and took H3947 Michal from her husband Phaltiel, setting the events of that narrative in motion 2 Samuel 3:15.
The narrative weight of H6409 is found in the contrasting roles of the two men who bear the name.
- Princely Authority: The name is associated with leadership within the tribal structure of Israel. As a prince H5387 of the tribe H4294 of Issachar, one Paltiel is part of the established order for governing the nation.
- Subject to Royal Power: The story of Phaltiel demonstrates the power of kingship. He is a husband H376 whose wife is taken H3947 from him by the command of Ishbosheth H378, highlighting how personal lives were impacted by the decisions of rulers.
- Contrasting Fates: The two occurrences of H6409 present a study in contrasts. One Paltiel is a figure of civic authority and tribal representation, while the other is a passive figure in a narrative of political maneuvering and personal loss.
In summary, H6409 Palṭîyʼêl is a name meaning deliverance of God that identifies two distinct men in the Old Testament. One is a prince of Issachar, a figure of tribal leadership, while the other is a husband caught in the political turmoil following King Saul's death. The name thus appears in contexts of both formal authority and personal tragedy, illustrating the diverse roles individuals played in the history of Israel.
TRV