The Me-u'nites, also referred to as Meunim, are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the inhabitants of the region surrounding Edom. Their exact origins and identity are somewhat obscure, but they are generally considered to be a nomadic or semi-nomadic people living in the Arabian desert areas.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Chronicles 26:7 · The Me-u'nites are mentioned in the context of King Uzziah's military campaigns. The verse states, "God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs who lived in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites." This passage highlights the Me-u'nites as one of the groups subdued by Uzziah, indicating their presence as a distinct people during his reign.

2. 1 Chronicles 4:41 · This verse refers to the Me-u'nites in the context of the Simeonites' conquests: "These who were recorded by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked their tents and the Meunites who were found there and completely destroyed them to this day. So they settled in their place because there was pasture for their flocks." Here, the Me-u'nites are depicted as being displaced by the Simeonites, suggesting their role as inhabitants of a particular region that was later occupied by others.

3. Ezra 2:50 and Nehemiah 7:52 · In these genealogical records, the Meunim are listed among the Nethinim, temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. This inclusion indicates that some Me-u'nites were integrated into the Israelite community, serving in the temple.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Me-u'nites are often associated with the broader group of Arabian tribes that interacted with the Israelites throughout their history. Their mention alongside other groups such as the Philistines and Arabs suggests they were part of the complex socio-political landscape of the ancient Near East. The Me-u'nites' interactions with Israel, as recorded in the Bible, primarily involve conflict and conquest, reflecting the turbulent nature of the region during the biblical period.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Me-u'nites' encounters with Israel demonstrate God's providential role in the victories of His people. The subjugation of the Me-u'nites by Uzziah and their displacement by the Simeonites are seen as acts of divine assistance and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Additionally, the integration of some Me-u'nites into the temple service post-exile illustrates the inclusivity of God's plan, where even those outside the covenant community could find a place within the worship of Yahweh.

Overall, the Me-u'nites serve as a testament to the dynamic interactions between Israel and its neighbors, highlighting themes of conflict, conquest, and eventual integration within the biblical narrative.Me-u'nites (2 Occurrences)

2 Chronicles 20:1
It happened after this, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 26:7
God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians who lived in Gur Baal, and the Meunim.
(See RSV)

Me-u'nites (2 Occurrences)
Me-u'nites. Meunites, Me-u'nites. Meuzal . Multi-Version Concordance
Me-u'nites (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 20:1 It happened after ...
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Meuzal

/m/meuzal.htm - 6k

Meunites (3 Occurrences)

/m/meunites.htm - 7k

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