Magdiel
Who he was
Magdiel is mentioned in the lists of Edomite chiefs found in Genesis 36 and 1Chronicles 1. He is identified as one of the chiefs of Edom, a descendant of Esau, the son of Isaac and the twin brother of Israel (or 'Jacob') (Genesis 36:43; 1 Chronicles 1:54). The Edomites were the descendants of Esau who settled in the region of Seir, south of the Dead Sea. The lists of Edomite chiefs provide a record of the political and social structure of Edom, highlighting the importance of family lineage and tribal leadership. Magdiel's inclusion in these lists suggests that he held a position of authority and influence within the Edomite community. However, no further details are provided about his personal life, achievements, or the specific period of his leadership. The mention of Magdiel in these genealogical records serves to establish the continuity of Esau's descendants and their role in the history of the region.
Every mention
Genesis 1 mention
1 Chronicles 1 mention
What the dictionary says
(prince of God), one of the "dukes" of Edom, descended from Esau.
Sources
- STEPBible TIPNR · Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References · CC BY 4.0 · github.com/STEPBible/STEPBible-Data
- Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary (1869) · Public domain