Topical Encyclopedia Jatal is a lesser-known figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. The name "Jatal" appears in the context of the descendants of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The genealogies in the Bible serve to trace the lineage of significant biblical figures and to establish the historical and theological continuity of God's covenant people.Biblical Reference: Jatal is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:16, which states: "The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel." In some translations and interpretations, Jatal is considered a variant or a scribal error for one of these names, though the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention Jatal. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles are complex and sometimes include variations in names due to transliteration differences or textual transmission over time. Genealogical Context: The genealogies in 1 Chronicles 4 focus on the descendants of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Judah's lineage is significant because it includes King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, as outlined in the New Testament genealogies (Matthew 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-38). The chronicler's purpose in listing these genealogies is to affirm the continuity of God's promises to His people and to highlight the Davidic line's importance in salvation history. Theological Significance: While Jatal himself may not be a prominent figure, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of every individual in God's redemptive plan. Each name in the genealogies represents a link in the chain of God's covenant faithfulness. The chronicler's meticulous recording of these names reflects the belief that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people and that every person has a role in the unfolding of His divine purposes. Historical and Cultural Context: The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were likely compiled during or after the Babylonian exile, a period when the Jewish people were returning to their homeland and re-establishing their identity. By documenting their ancestry, the chronicler sought to remind the Israelites of their heritage and the promises God made to their forefathers. This was crucial for maintaining their faith and hope in God's future deliverance and restoration. Interpretative Challenges: The mention of Jatal, or the absence thereof in some translations, highlights the challenges of biblical textual transmission. Variations in names and spellings can occur due to differences in manuscript traditions, scribal errors, or transliteration from Hebrew to other languages. Scholars often rely on textual criticism to discern the most accurate representation of the original text. In summary, while Jatal may not be a central figure in biblical narratives, his mention in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of God's plan and the value of each individual within it. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JATALja'-tal (1 Esdras 5:28). Thesaurus Jatal... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JATAL. ja'-tal (1 Esdras 5:28). See ATAR. ... /j/jatal.htm - 6k Jasubus Jathan Atar Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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