Book of 1 Chronicles - Chapter 8 - Verse 34

When examining the verse "And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah," it is important to consider the historical and genealogical significance of these individuals. Jonathan was the son of King Saul and a close friend and ally of David, who eventually became king. Meribbaal, also known as Mephibosheth, was Jonathan's son who was crippled in both feet. Despite his physical limitations, David showed him kindness and granted him a place at his table. Meribbaal's son, Micah, carries on the family line and is mentioned in the genealogy of King David. This verse serves to connect the lineage of Jonathan and Meribbaal to later generations, highlighting the importance of familial relationships and the succession of leadership in ancient Israel.

In this verse, the name Meribbaal appears as the son of Jonathan. Meribbaal later begets Micah. The name Meribbaal is of particular interest from a theological perspective. In Hebrew, the name Meribbaal can be broken down to 'meri' which means "strife" or "contention", and 'baal' which is the name of a Canaanite deity associated with fertility. However, due to the negative connotations of the name Baal in the Bible, especially in relation to idol worship, the name Meribbaal is often interpreted as a person who is in contention with or strives against Baal. This can reflect a theological tension between the worship of false gods and the worship of Yahweh in the Old Testament. The birth of Micah, who was a prophet in the Hebrew Bible, adds another layer of significance to this verse, as he is known for his prophetic words against idolatry and social injustices.