Who was Michael in the Bible?

Man living at the time of Divided Monarchy

Michael is a person mentioned in 2 Chronicles 21:2 in the Bible. He was a man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of the Divided Monarchy. In the context of the passage, Michael is described as the son of Jehoshaphat and the brother of Jehoram, Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariahu, and Shephatiah.

From a biblical perspective, Michael’s mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the historical lineage and relationships within the tribe of Judah during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history. The Divided Monarchy refers to the time when the kingdom of Israel split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah after the reign of King Solomon.

Jehoshaphat, Michael’s father, was a king of Judah known for his faithfulness to God (1 Kings 15:24). However, his son Jehoram, who was also Michael’s brother, did evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Chronicles 21:6). This contrast between the faithfulness of Jehoshaphat and the disobedience of Jehoram highlights the importance of individual choices and the consequences they bring.

The names of Michael’s brothers mentioned in the passage – Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariahu, and Shephatiah – may not have extensive details provided in the Bible, but their inclusion in the genealogy of Judah emphasizes the interconnectedness of families and the continuity of God’s plan through generations.

Overall, Michael’s brief mention in 2 Chronicles 21:2 serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of relationships and lineages within the tribe of Judah during a significant period in Israel’s history. It underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of straying from His commands, as seen in the contrasting lives of Jehoshaphat and Jehoram.