Who was Nethanel in the Bible?

Man living at the time of United Monarchy

Nethanel is a figure mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:4 in the Bible. From a biblical perspective, Nethanel was a man living during the time of the United Monarchy in Israel. He was a member of the tribe of Levi, which was the priestly tribe appointed by God for service in the tabernacle and temple.

Nethanel is described as the son of Obed-edom and the brother of Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sachar, Ammiel, Issachar, and Peullethai. The role of Nethanel in the biblical narrative is not explicitly mentioned beyond this passage, but being part of the tribe of Levi, it is likely that he served in some capacity related to the worship and service of God in the tabernacle or temple.

The tribe of Levi held a special place in Israel as the priests and caretakers of the tabernacle and later the temple. They were responsible for various duties related to the worship, sacrifices, and rituals prescribed by God in the Old Testament. The Levites were not given a portion of land like the other tribes of Israel, as their inheritance was the Lord Himself (Numbers 18:20).

Nethanel’s name means given by God, reflecting the belief that his existence and role were ordained by God for a specific purpose within the community of Israel. While Nethanel’s individual story is not detailed in the Bible, his inclusion in the genealogy and his association with the tribe of Levi highlight the importance of his lineage and his connection to the sacred duties of the priesthood.

In summary, Nethanel was a man from the tribe of Levi who lived during the time of the United Monarchy in Israel. His role likely involved serving in the tabernacle or temple in a priestly capacity, fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to the Levites by God. His name signifies his divine appointment and underscores the significance of his lineage within the religious structure of ancient Israel.