Bimhal
Who was Bimhal in the Bible?
Bimhal was a descendant of Asher and a son of Japhlet, recorded in the genealogies of the tribe of Asher in the book of 1 Chronicles.
Bimhal is a figure mentioned within the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically identified as a member of the tribe of Asher. As the son of Japhlet, he occupies a place in the lineage that highlights the post-exilic interest in preserving the identity and heritage of the northern tribes of Israel.
Though his individual biography is not detailed in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the chronicler's record serves to validate the ongoing presence and structure of the tribe of Asher. He represents one of the many familial units that formed the backbone of the tribal community during the patriarchal and settlement eras of Israel’s history.
Background and Family
Bimhal is positioned within the extensive genealogical tables of 1 Chronicles, specifically in the seventh chapter which focuses on the descendants of the sons of Jacob. He was the son of Japhlet, who was himself a great-grandson of Asher. Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The biblical record identifies Bimhal as one of three brothers, the others being Pasach and Ashvath.
The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were Japhlet’s sons. (1 Chronicles 7:33)
This placement within the house of Japhlet situates Bimhal among the elite families of the Asherites. The lineage of Japhlet is distinguished from his brothers Shomer, Hotham, and Shua, indicating a specific branch of the tribe that was deemed significant enough for preservation by the chronicler.
Major Life Events
The biblical text provides no specific historical events or narrative actions attributed to Bimhal. His historical existence is captured solely through his inclusion in the genealogical list of 1 Chronicles. In the context of ancient Israelite literature, such mentions were not merely filler; they served as legal and social documentation. For a figure like Bimhal, his "major event" was the preservation of his name within the tribal registry, ensuring that his descendants could claim their ancestral inheritance and place within the community of Israel.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Bimhal’s primary relationships are defined by his immediate family. He was a son of Japhlet and a brother to Pasach and Ashvath. Through his father, he was a grandson of Heber and a great-grandson of Beriah, the son of Asher. This lineage connects him directly to the patriarchal foundations of the nation. While he is not mentioned in relation to any kings or prophets, his connection to the tribe of Asher links him to a group characterized in the blessings of Jacob and Moses as a people of prosperity and strength.
Spiritual Significance
While Bimhal lacks a specific personal narrative, his spiritual significance lies in the theological framework of the Chronicler. The inclusion of names like Bimhal emphasizes that every individual and family within the covenant community was known and recorded by God. In the post-exilic period, when 1 Chronicles was compiled, these genealogies were vital for establishing the continuity of the people of God. Bimhal represents the "quiet" members of the covenant—those who fulfilled their roles within their families and tribes without achieving public fame, yet remained integral parts of the divine promise to multiply the seed of Abraham.
Bimhal's significance is primarily genealogical and representative. He serves as a link in the chain of the tribe of Asher, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob that his descendants would be numerous and organized according to their families. His presence in the record validates the tribal heritage of the northern families during a time when Israel was seeking to reclaim its identity.
Theologically, Bimhal reminds the reader that the biblical narrative values the individual within the collective. Even though his life story is not recorded, his name is preserved in the inspired text, signifying that no member of the covenant community is forgotten in the eyes of the Creator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bimhal's father?
Bimhal was the son of Japhlet, a descendant of Asher.
Which tribe did Bimhal belong to?
Bimhal belonged to the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
How many times is Bimhal mentioned in the Bible?
Bimhal is mentioned exactly once in the Bible, in 1 Chronicles 7:33.
Who were Bimhal's siblings?
His recorded brothers were Pasach and Ashvath.
What does the name Bimhal mean?
The etymology of Bimhal (בִּמְהָל) is somewhat obscure, but it is often interpreted in Hebrew as 'circumcised' or potentially 'in mixture,' though its exact meaning remains a subject of scholarly debate.
Family & Relationships
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 7:33
A prominent patriarch of the Tribe of Asher and a grandson of Asher, whose descendants established a lasting geographic presence in the land of Canaan.
Conquest and JudgesFirst: Joshua 16:33 versesPatriarch and Clan LeaderAsher
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:33
Ashvath was a descendant of Asher and a son of Japhlet, listed in the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel.
Conquest and JudgesFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:331 versesPatriarchal head of a householdAsher
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:33
Pasach was a member of the tribe of Asher and the eldest son of Japhlet, recorded in the genealogical records of the chronicler.
Conquest and JudgesFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:331 versesTribal patriarch and clan leaderAsher
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 7:33
The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were Japhlet’s sons.