Molid
Who was Molid in the Bible?
A descendant of Judah through the line of Jerahmeel, recorded in the genealogical records of the Divided Monarchy period.
Molid was a member of the tribe of Judah, specifically belonging to the clan of Jerahmeel. He is mentioned exclusively within the genealogical records of the book of Chronicles, which serves to document the lineage of the southern kingdom during the era of the Divided Monarchy. As a son of Abishur and Abihail, Molid represents a specific branch of the Davidic-era tribal structure that maintained the heritage of the Jerahmeelites.
While the biblical record regarding Molid is brief, his inclusion in the sacred text underscores the importance of lineage and tribal preservation in the post-exilic memory of Israel. He is one of two sons born to his parents, sharing his immediate family unit with his brother, Ahban.
Background and Family
Molid appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 2, a chapter dedicated to the descendants of Judah. His specific lineage is traced through Jerahmeel, the firstborn son of Hezron, who was the grandson of Judah. Molid was born to Abishur and his wife, Abihail. According to the text, Abishur was the son of Shammai, further situating Molid within the established internal hierarchy of the Jerahmeelite clan.
Abishur’s wife was named Abihail, and she bore to him Ahban and Molid. (1 Chronicles 2:29, BSB)
The mention of his mother, Abihail, is a notable detail, as mothers are not always named in these ancient registers unless they held specific status or were necessary to distinguish between different branches of a family tree.
Major Life Events
The biblical text provides no narrative details regarding the life, career, or specific actions of Molid. His record is strictly genealogical. Within the context of the Divided Monarchy, such records were vital for establishing land rights, military obligations, and communal identity. Molid exists in the text as a link in the generational chain of Judah, ensuring the continuity of the Jerahmeelite line was preserved for future generations.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Molid’s primary relationships are familial. He is the son of Abishur and Abihail and the brother of Ahban. His broader kinship ties him to the prestigious tribe of Judah, the tribe from which the Davidic kings emerged. As a Jerahmeelite, he belonged to a group that, while distinct, was fully integrated into the Judean tribal identity by the time these records were formalized.
Spiritual Significance
While Molid is not credited with specific spiritual deeds, his presence in the Bible reflects the theological theme of "remembrance." In the Hebrew tradition, being recorded in the genealogies served as a testament to God's faithfulness to the covenant families of Israel. Molid represents the "hidden" members of the covenant community—those who did not lead armies or prophesy but who constituted the faithful remnant through whom the history of Israel continued to flow.
Molid’s significance lies in the preservation of the Judean lineage. In the Chronicler's perspective, every named individual in the genealogy of Judah serves as a witness to the enduring nature of God's promise to David and the tribe of Judah. Molid ensures the specific documentation of the Jerahmeelite branch, which occupied the Negev region of Judah.
His inclusion also highlights the role of the family unit in ancient Israelite society. By naming both his father and mother, the text provides a complete picture of his household, affirming the structural integrity of the tribe during a period of national transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Molid mean?
The Hebrew name Molid (מוֹלִיד) is derived from a root meaning 'to beget' or 'bringer forth,' potentially signifying 'generator' or 'progenitor.'
Which tribe did Molid belong to?
Molid belonged to the tribe of Judah, specifically the Jerahmeelite clan.
Who were Molid's parents?
His father was Abishur and his mother was Abihail.
Does Molid appear in the New Testament?
No, Molid is only mentioned once in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Chronicles.
Did Molid have any siblings?
Yes, the Bible records that he had one brother named Ahban.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Abihail, Wife of AbishurMother1 Chronicles 2:29Stated
AbishurFather1 Chronicles 2:29Stated
MolidThis page
AhbanBrother1 Chronicles 2:29Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Mother · 1 Chronicles 2:29
Abihail was a woman of the tribe of Judah who married Abishur and became the mother of Ahban and Molid during the period of the Divided Monarchy.
Conquest and JudgesFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:291 versesMatriarchJudah
Father · 1 Chronicles 2:29
A member of the tribe of Judah who was the son of Shammai and the husband of Abihail, known primarily for his inclusion in the post-exilic genealogical records of the Divided Monarchy period.
Conquest and JudgesFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:282 versesPatriarchal FigureJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:29
Ahban was a member of the Tribe of Judah and the son of Abishur and Abihail during the Divided Monarchy period.
Conquest and JudgesFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:291 versesMember of the Jerahmeelite clanJudah
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 2:29
Abishur’s wife was named Abihail, and she bore to him Ahban and Molid.