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Merab

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What is the meaning of Merab in the Bible?

Merab, the elder daughter of King Saul, was promised in marriage to the man who defeated Goliath, but Saul ultimately gave her to Adriel the Meholathite instead of David.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Merab's story clarifies the political maneuvering within Saul's household and explains why David married Michal, Saul's younger daughter, rather than the eldest.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Merab reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Merab in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Merab clarify?

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.

How to Cite This Entry

"Merab." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/merab/
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