Who was Mareshah in the Bible?

Mareshah was a son of Mesha and the father of Hebron, as recorded in the genealogy of Judah. He is credited as the re-founder or father of the city of Hebron (1 Chronicles 2:42).

What is the significance of Mareshah being the father of Hebron?

This establishes a genealogical and foundational link to the important city of Hebron, a key city in Judah's territory and a city of refuge. It connects a family lineage to a major location in Israel's history.

What key events are associated with Mareshah in the Bible?

The Bible does not record specific life events for Mareshah. His sole mention is within a genealogical list, highlighting his role as a progenitor in the lineage of Caleb and the founder of Hebron (1 Chronicles 2:42-43).

Mareshah

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleSon

Mareshah, a son of Mesha, was the father and re-founder of Hebron (1Ch.2.42,42).

Mareshah

Biography

Mareshah was a figure in the genealogy of Judah, recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:42 as a son of Mesha and connected to the lineage of Caleb. The Chronicler identifies him as the "father of Hebron," a designation that most scholars interpret not as biological paternity but as indicating that Mareshah was the founder, settler, or leading patriarch of Hebron or its surrounding clans. Hebron itself was one of the most ancient and significant cities in Israel's history, serving as the burial place of the patriarchs and David's first capital. Mareshah's placement in the Calebite genealogy connects him to the broader tradition of Caleb's faithful descendants who settled and secured key territories in the hill country of Judah following the conquest under Joshua.

Significance

Mareshah's identification as the "father of Hebron" links him to one of the most sacred sites in biblical history. Hebron was where Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah (Gen. 23), where David was first crowned king (2 Sam. 2:4), and where the patriarchs and matriarchs were buried. That Mareshah is credited with re-establishing or leading this city's community speaks to the continuity of faithful settlement in the Promised Land. His Calebite lineage connects him to a tradition of bold faith and territorial faithfulness. Mareshah's role reminds readers that behind the great cities and sacred sites of Scripture stand individuals whose founding efforts made those places possible.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 2:42

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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