1 Chronicles 9:40
The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, who was the father of Micah.
The son of Jonathan:

Jonathan, King Saul’s faithful son and David’s covenant friend, left a lasting line despite the judgment that fell on Saul’s dynasty. His love and loyalty toward David reflected a covenant bond that David later honored toward Jonathan’s descendants.

2Sa 9:6 And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul,…
2Sa 21:7 Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan…
2Sa 4:4 And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame…

Merib-baal,

Merib-baal, also called Mephibosheth, was Jonathan’s son and had been crippled in both feet after Saul and Jonathan died (2 Samuel 4:4). The name Merib-baal means contender with Baal. David received him into his household and restored Saul’s land to him for Jonathan’s sake, allowing him to eat continually at the king’s table (2 Samuel 9:7–13). The preservation of Merib-baal’s family displays David’s faithfulness to his covenant promise.

1Ch 8:34 The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal…
2Sa 19:24 Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down…
2Sa 16:4 So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth…

who was the father of Micah.

Micah carried forward Jonathan’s family line into later generations. Although Saul’s royal house lost the throne, God preserved descendants of Jonathan, recording their names among the families of Benjamin.

2Sa 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica,…
1Ch 8:35 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and bravery, Jonathan's lineage is significant in the history of Israel.

2. Merib-baal
Also known as Mephibosheth, he was the son of Jonathan. His name means "contender against Baal," reflecting a rejection of paganism. He was crippled in both feet and later shown kindness by King David.

3. Micah
The son of Merib-baal. His lineage is part of the genealogical record that connects the house of Saul to later generations.
Teaching Points
Legacy and Lineage
The genealogies in Chronicles remind us of the importance of family heritage and the impact of our ancestors on our lives. Reflect on the spiritual legacy you are building for future generations.

God's Faithfulness
Despite the fall of Saul's house, God preserved Jonathan's line through Merib-baal. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to bring hope from brokenness.

Grace and Kindness
David's treatment of Merib-baal is a powerful example of grace. As Christians, we are called to extend kindness and mercy, even to those who may seem undeserving.

Overcoming Adversity
Merib-baal's account is one of overcoming physical and social challenges. It encourages us to trust in God's provision and to find strength in our weaknesses.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the relationship between Jonathan and David influence David's actions towards Merib-baal, and what does this teach us about the power of covenant relationships?

2. In what ways does the account of Merib-baal illustrate God's ability to bring restoration and hope to seemingly hopeless situations?

3. How can we apply the principle of showing kindness and grace, as David did to Merib-baal, in our daily interactions with others?

4. What lessons can we learn from the genealogies in 1 Chronicles about the importance of our spiritual heritage and legacy?

5. How does the account of Merib-baal challenge us to trust in God's faithfulness, even when we face personal adversities or feel forgotten?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 4:4
This verse provides background on Merib-baal (Mephibosheth), explaining how he became crippled. It highlights the vulnerability and challenges he faced, which were later addressed by David's kindness.

2 Samuel 9
This chapter details King David's kindness to Mephibosheth, showing the fulfillment of his covenant with Jonathan and illustrating themes of grace and mercy.

1 Samuel 18:1-4
Describes the deep friendship and covenant between Jonathan and David, which later influences David's actions towards Jonathan's descendants.
Genealogy of the Returned ExilesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 9:1-44
Pedigree of SaulJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 9:35-44
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abdon, Abinadab, Adaiah, Adiel, Ahaz, Ahiman, Ahio, Ahitub, Akkub, Alemeth, Ammihud, Asa, Asaiah, Asaph, Azariah, Azel, Azmaveth, Azrikam, Bakbakkar, Bani, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Berechiah, Binea, Bocheru, David, Ebiasaph, Elah, Eleasah, Eleazar, Elkanah, Eshbaal, Galal, Gedor, Gibeon, Hanan, Hasenuah, Hashabiah, Hasshub, Heresh, Hilkiah, Hodaviah, Ibneiah, Ibnijah, Immer, Imri, Ishmael, Israelites, Jachin, Jahzerah, Jarah, Jedaiah, Jeduthun, Jehiel, Jehoiarib, Jeiel, Jeroham, Jeuel, Jonathan, Kish, Kohathites, Korah, Korahites, Kore, Levi, Levites, Maacah, Maachah, Maasiai, Malchijah, Malchishua, Manasseh, Mattaniah, Mattithiah, Melech, Meraioth, Merari, Meribbaal, Meshelemiah, Meshillemith, Meshullam, Micah, Michri, Mikloth, Moza, Nadab, Ner, Netophathites, Obadiah, Omri, Pashur, Perez, Pharez, Phinehas, Pithon, Rephaiah, Reuel, Sallu, Samuel, Saul, Shallum, Sheariah, Shemaiah, Shemariah, Shephathiah, Shephatiah, Shilonites, Tahrea, Talmon, Uthai, Uzzi, Zadok, Zechariah, Zerah, Zichri, Zimri, Zur
Places
Babylon, Gibeon, Jerusalem
Topics
Baal, Begat, Begot, Jonathan, Merib, Meribbaal, Merib-baal, Mer'ib-ba'al, Micah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 9:34-44

     7230   genealogies

Library
The King.
We have now to turn and see the sudden change of fortune which lifted the exile to a throne. The heavy cloud which had brooded so long over the doomed king broke in lightning crash on the disastrous field of Gilboa. Where is there a sadder and more solemn story of the fate of a soul which makes shipwreck "of faith and of a good conscience," than that awful page which tells how, godless, wretched, mad with despair and measureless pride, he flung himself on his bloody sword, and died a suicide's death,
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Chronicles 9:40 NIV
1 Chronicles 9:40 NLT
1 Chronicles 9:40 ESV
1 Chronicles 9:40 NASB
1 Chronicles 9:40 KJV

1 Chronicles 9:40 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 9:39
Top of Page
Top of Page