Who was Michael in the Bible from the tribe of Gad?

Michael was a chief of the tribe of Gad, a descendant of Abihail, mentioned in the genealogy of the Israelites (1 Chronicles 5:14). He is listed among the heads of families who lived in the land of Bashan.

What is the significance of Michael the Gadite in the Bible?

His significance is primarily genealogical, as his mention helps establish the lineage and family structure of the tribe of Gad. This listing shows the tribe's presence and leadership in the Transjordan region during the time of the chronicler.

Are there any stories or key events about Michael the Gadite?

No specific stories or key events about this Michael are recorded in the Bible. The only information provided is his name and his role as a chief within the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 5:11-17.

Michael

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleGadite leader

Michael, a descendant of Abihail, was one of the Gadite chiefs mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Gad (1Ch.5.14).

Michael

Biography

Michael was a chief of the tribe of Gad, listed in the Gadite genealogical records as a descendant of Abihail (1 Chronicles 5:14). He is distinguished from the other Gadite leader named Michael mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:13 by his specific genealogical lineage. The Gadite genealogies in 1 Chronicles 5 trace the leadership structure of this warrior tribe, which settled in the territories of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan River. These genealogical records were compiled during the reigns of Jotham king of Judah and Jeroboam II king of Israel, a period of relative prosperity and territorial expansion. Michael's position as a clan chief placed him among the leading figures responsible for governing Gadite affairs, maintaining tribal identity, and defending their territorial inheritance in the Transjordan region.

Significance

Michael's inclusion in the Gadite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 5 serves the theological purpose of documenting God's faithfulness to each tribe of Israel. The Chronicler's careful preservation of tribal leadership records, including figures like Michael, affirms that every branch of God's covenant people mattered in the divine plan. The Gadite territory, though geographically peripheral to Judah and Jerusalem, remained part of God's covenantal promise to Abraham. Michael's role as a clan leader demonstrates that maintaining community order and identity in frontier territories is a form of faithful service. His genealogical record also serves as a somber backdrop, as 1 Chronicles 5:26 records that the Gadites were eventually exiled by Assyria due to unfaithfulness.

Authority Records

Wikidata VIAF Library of Congress GND BnF

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 5:14

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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