Who was Michael in the Bible?

Michael was a chief from the tribe of Gad, mentioned as one of the leaders during the reign of King Jotham of Judah. He is listed among the Gadites who lived in the land of Bashan (1 Chronicles 5:13).

Why is Michael the Gadite significant?

His significance lies in his role as a tribal leader, representing the military strength and lineage of the tribe of Gad. His mention helps document the genealogy and leadership structure of Israel during a specific historical period (1 Chronicles 5:11-17).

What do we know about Michael the Gadite's life?

The Bible records very few events from his life, noting primarily his leadership position and his family lineage. He was a son of Jeshishai and lived with his fellow Gadites in the region of Bashan (1 Chronicles 5:13-14).

Michael

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleGadite leader

Michael, a Gadite chief, is mentioned among the leaders of the tribe of Gad during the reign of Jotham, king of Judah (1Ch.5.13).

Michael

Biography

Michael was a prominent chieftain of the tribe of Gad, listed among the Gadite leaders who lived in the region of Bashan during the reign of King Jotham of Judah (1 Chronicles 5:13). The Gadites had settled in the Transjordan territory east of the Jordan River, a region known for its fertile pasturelands and strategic military significance. As a tribal chief, Michael bore responsibility for the governance and defense of his clan within this border territory. The Gadites were renowned as fierce warriors, described elsewhere in Scripture as men whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles on the mountains (1 Chronicles 12:8). Michael's leadership during Jotham's relatively stable reign contributed to maintaining Gadite territorial integrity in this exposed frontier region.

Significance

Michael's role as a Gadite chief reflects the importance of faithful local leadership within God's covenant community. The tribe of Gad, having settled east of the Jordan at their own request (Numbers 32), occupied vulnerable territory requiring constant vigilance. Michael's service as a tribal leader in Bashan demonstrates that God's people need dedicated shepherds at every level of community life, not only in the religious centers of Jerusalem and the temple. His inclusion in the biblical genealogies affirms that God takes note of those who faithfully discharge their responsibilities, however far removed from the centers of power. Faithful stewardship of local authority remains essential to the health of God's broader community.

Authority Records

Wikidata VIAF Library of Congress GND BnF

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 5:13

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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