Who was Mibsam in the Bible?

Mibsam was a descendant of the tribe of Simeon, specifically listed as a son of Mishma and a grandson of Shammai, as recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 4:24-25. He is mentioned only in this lineage, with no further narrative about his life.

What is the significance of Mibsam?

Mibsam's significance lies solely in his place within the genealogical record, which was crucial for establishing tribal lineage, inheritance rights, and the fulfillment of God's promises to the twelve tribes of Israel. His inclusion preserves the continuity of the Simeonite line.

Are there any key events in Mibsam's life?

The Bible records no specific events or key actions from Mibsam's life. His mention is purely genealogical, serving to document his family line within the tribe of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:24-27).

Mibsam

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Mibsam, a descendant of Simeon, was the son of Mishma (1Ch.4.25).

Mibsam

Biography

Mibsam appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Simeon as recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:25. He was the son of Mishma and part of a lineage traced through Shallum, within the broader clan structure of Simeon. This Mibsam should be distinguished from his namesake who was a son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13), though the shared name may hint at some historical connection between Simeonite and Ishmaelite communities in the southern regions of Canaan. The Simeonite genealogy in which Mibsam appears traces several generations of a particular family line, preserving the tribal identity and inheritance records that were essential for Israel's social and religious organization. His listing reflects the careful attention given to maintaining Simeon's tribal heritage despite the tribe's scattered settlement pattern.

Significance

Mibsam's inclusion in the Simeonite genealogy carries significance for understanding God's faithfulness to his covenant promises. The tribe of Simeon, though small and eventually absorbed into Judah's territory, was carefully tracked in Israel's records because each tribe represented a portion of God's promise to the patriarchs. The preservation of names like Mibsam through generations of record-keeping demonstrates Israel's conviction that every family within the covenant community mattered to God. The possible etymological connection to the Ishmaelite Mibsam also raises questions about the complex interactions between Israel's tribes and surrounding peoples, reminding readers that the boundaries of God's people were more fluid than often assumed.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherIshmaelSiblingNebaiothSiblingAdbeel

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 4:25

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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