Who was Malkiel?

Malkiel (Hebrew: מַלְכִּיאֵל, Malki’el, meaning “God is my king” or “my king is God“) was one of the sons of Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant. Malkiel is listed among the seventy members of Jacob‘s household who went down to Egypt during the famine in the days of Joseph. Though only briefly mentioned in Scripture, Malkiel represents a significant link in the tribal lineage of Israel and in the providential preservation of God’s chosen people.

Biblical References

• Genesis 46:24 – “The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem.”

• Numbers 26:48 – “The descendants of Naphtali by their clans were: Through Jahzeel, the Jahzeelite clan; through Guni, the Gunite clan; through Jezer, the Jezerite clan; through Shillem, the Shillemite clan.”

• 1 Chronicles 7:13 – “The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shallum—the descendants of Bilhah.”

Though Malkiel’s name is not explicitly listed in Genesis 46:24 in most English translations, ancient Hebrew manuscripts and traditional commentaries sometimes preserve minor variants, possibly associating him with the broader family line of Naphtali’s descendants. In Numbers 26:45, there is also mention of family divisions that suggest the ongoing identity of these tribes through their descendants, possibly including Malkiel’s own.

The Role of Malkiel in the Biblical Narrative

Malkiel was one of the patriarchal figures forming the foundation of the Israelite nation, particularly as a member of Naphtali’s lineage. Though he did not play a major personal role in the narrative accounts like Joseph or Judah, Malkiel’s inclusion in the genealogy reflects the importance of every individual within God’s covenant community. His life, like those of many listed in genealogies, was part of God’s broader redemptive plan.

The fact that he journeyed with his family to Egypt during the famine shows that he was among the early Israelites who experienced the beginnings of what would become a 400-year sojourn in Egypt—a time that would end with God’s dramatic deliverance in the Exodus.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Even though Malkiel is only briefly mentioned, his name serves as a powerful reminder of identity in God. “My king is God” speaks to the heart of biblical faith: a life lived under the reign of God, in allegiance to Him above all earthly powers. In an age where personal identity is often shaped by culture or success, Malkiel’s name reminds Christians that true identity is rooted in submission to the sovereign Lord.

For Christians today, this reinforces the truth that even those who seem minor or forgotten in the world’s eyes are known and used by God. Malkiel’s legacy is a part of the great tapestry of God’s faithfulness to His people and points to the value of each believer in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:14-27).

How His Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Malkiel, like many others in the Old Testament genealogies, was part of the larger unfolding of God’s promise to Abraham to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:2–3). This promise culminated in the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel and the Savior of the world.

Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah, but the faithfulness of all the tribes—including Naphtali—played a part in preserving the nation of Israel through whom the Messiah came. Malkiel’s inclusion in Scripture underscores how God uses generations of faithful people to carry forward His redemptive plan. In Christ, all tribes and peoples find their fulfillment and unity (Revelation 7:9–10).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereign Rule

Malkiel’s name declares a central biblical truth: “God is King.” This is a theme repeated throughout Scripture (Psalm 47:7; Isaiah 33:22), pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16).

2. The Importance of Genealogy in God’s Plan

The careful listing of names like Malkiel in genealogies reflects God’s intimate knowledge and purposeful use of individuals in His covenant community. These names are not random; they serve as markers of God‘s faithfulness across generations.

3. Faithfulness in the Seemingly Small

God records the names of those who may have lived quiet, faithful lives. The Bible values even those who do not appear prominently in the storyline, showing that faithfulness in obscurity still matters in eternity.

4. Covenant Community

Malkiel’s presence among the children of Israel as they entered Egypt illustrates God’s promise to preserve His people through trials and fulfill His promises, foreshadowing deliverance through Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. What does the name “Malkiel” teach us about our own identity and the kingship of God in our lives?

2. How can we remain faithful in the roles that may seem insignificant to others?

3. Why is it important that God includes genealogies in the Bible, and what can that tell us about how He views individual lives?

4. In what ways do we see God working through families and generations today, as He did in Malkiel’s time?

5. How does being part of the body of Christ encourage us to honor every believer’s contribution, no matter how small it seems?

Malkiel may not be a widely known figure, but his inclusion in God’s Word reveals that no one is too small to be part of God’s big plan. His name still speaks today: God is our King.