The Meunites, also referred to as the Mehunim in some translations, 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 regions.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Chronicles 20:1 · The Meunites are mentioned in the context of a coalition of forces that came against King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The passage states: "After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat." This indicates that the Meunites were part of a confederation of nations that posed a threat to the Kingdom of Judah.

2. 2 Chronicles 26:7 · During the reign of King Uzziah, the Meunites are again mentioned as adversaries. The text reads: "God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs who lived in Gurbaal, and against the Meunites." This suggests that the Meunites were involved in conflicts with the Israelites and were considered a significant enough threat to be specifically mentioned.

3. 1 Chronicles 4:41 · The Meunites are also noted in the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel. The passage describes a campaign by the descendants of Simeon: "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." This indicates that the Meunites occupied territories that were later taken over by the Israelites.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Meunites are often associated with the region of Edom and the surrounding desert areas. Their mention alongside other groups such as the Moabites, Ammonites, and Arabs suggests that they were part of the broader network of tribes and peoples inhabiting the Transjordan and Arabian Peninsula. The Meunites may have been involved in trade, raiding, or other activities typical of nomadic or semi-nomadic groups in the ancient Near East.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Meunites serve as an example of the various external threats faced by the Israelites throughout their history. Their repeated mention in the context of military conflicts underscores the challenges of maintaining the security and integrity of the Israelite nation amidst a landscape of competing tribes and nations. The biblical narrative often highlights the role of divine intervention in delivering Israel from such threats, as seen in the accounts of Jehoshaphat and Uzziah.

Conclusion:

The Meunites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, represent one of the many groups that interacted with and occasionally opposed the Israelites. Their presence in the biblical narrative serves to illustrate the complex geopolitical environment of the ancient Near East and the ongoing reliance of the Israelites on divine assistance in overcoming their adversaries.4586. Meunim -- a people Southeast of the Dead Sea
... Meunim or Meinim. 4587 . a people Southeast of the Dead Sea. Transliteration:
Meunim or Meinim Phonetic Spelling: (meh-oo-nee') Short Definition: Meunites. ...
/hebrew/4586.htm - 6kMeunites (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Meunites (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 4:41 And
these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king ...
/m/meunites.htm - 7k

Me-u'nites (2 Occurrences)
Me-u'nites. Meunites, Me-u'nites. Meuzal . Multi-Version Concordance Me-u'nites
(2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Meunites, Me-u'nites. Meuzal . Reference Bible
/m/me-u'nites.htm - 6k

Me-u'nim (3 Occurrences)
Me-u'nim. Meunim, Me-u'nim. Meunites . Multi-Version Concordance Me-u'nim
(3 Occurrences). ... Meunim, Me-u'nim. Meunites . Reference Bible.
/m/me-u'nim.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus