Who was Machbenah in the Bible?

Machbenah is mentioned as a descendant or a town of Caleb, the son of Hezron, from the tribe of Judah. This makes him part of the genealogical record of Judah's lineage (1 Chronicles 2:49).

What is the significance of Machbenah?

Machbenah's significance lies in his inclusion in the genealogy of Judah, which traces the lineage leading to King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. His mention helps establish the historical and tribal records important to Israel's identity.

Are there any key events in Machbenah's life?

The Bible does not record specific events in Machbenah's life. His mention is solely genealogical, serving to document the family line of Caleb within the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:49).

Machbenah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyFemaleDaughter

Machbenah was a descendant or town of Caleb, the son of Hezron, from the tribe of Judah (1Ch.2.49).

Machbenah

Biography

Machbenah appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah as a descendant of Caleb son of Hezron, listed alongside Sheva in 1 Chronicles 2:49. The name Machbenah likely functions as both a personal name and a place name, as was common in ancient Israelite genealogies where the founder of a settlement could be identified with the settlement itself. Machbenah's parent is identified as Shaaph, born to Caleb's concubine Maacah. The Calebite genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2 is notable for tracing the settlement patterns of Judah's clans in the Negev and southern hill country. Machbenah thus represents the expansion of Judahite territory through the establishment of towns and villages by Caleb's descendants in the land allotted to the tribe of Judah.

Significance

Machbenah's place in the Calebite genealogy illustrates the intimate connection between family lineage and territorial possession in ancient Israel. The genealogies of 1 Chronicles are not merely records of descent but maps of settlement and stewardship, showing how God's promise of land was realized through specific families taking root in specific places. Machbenah's identification with a settlement reflects the biblical theology of inheritance: God gives His people not abstract promises but concrete places to dwell. The Calebite branch of Judah was particularly associated with courage and faithfulness in possessing the land, and Machbenah's founding of a settlement continues that legacy.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 2:49

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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