Mehetabel; Mehetabeel
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Mehetabel; Mehetabeel in the Bible?
Mehetabel, daughter of Matred and wife of Hadad, is listed in Genesis 36 as a descendant of Esau and ruler of Edom, while Mehetabeel, son of Nahaman, is identified in Nehemiah 13 as the father-in-law of Tobiah, an Ammonite official who opposed the restoration of Jerusalem's walls.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between these two distinct individuals clarifies the genealogical records of Edom in Genesis and the political conflicts surrounding the post-exilic community in Nehemiah, preventing confusion between ancient Edomite royalty and later antagonists of the Jewish leadership.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.