Who was Pispah?
Pispah is a minor biblical figure briefly mentioned in a genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 7:18. She is identified as one of the descendants of Gilead, who was a descendant of Manasseh, son of Joseph. The passage reads:
“His sister Hammoleketh gave birth to Ishhod, Abiezer and Mahlah. The sons of Shemida were: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi and Aniam.” (1 Chronicles 7:18, NIV)
Though the name “Pispah” appears in some manuscripts and variant traditions as part of the tribal genealogies, it is believed that the more precise transliteration of the name is Pispah or possibly a scribal variant that appears in genealogical parallels. However, the Masoretic Text does not include Pispah directly. Some lexicons suggest that the name Pispah may be a textual corruption or a marginal variant. Still, in some translations and textual traditions, Pispah is included as a figure in the line of Shemida, one of Gilead’s descendants.
The name Pispah (Hebrew: פִּסְפָּה) is possibly related to the Hebrew root pasah, which may mean “to spread out” or “to pass over,” although the precise etymology is uncertain due to the obscurity of the reference.
Biblical References
- 1 Chronicles 7:14-19 – This is the primary genealogical context where the descendants of Manasseh are listed, including references to his sons and their offspring.
- Possible manuscript variants may include Pispah in relation to other names such as Hammoleketh, Ishhod, and Shemida.
- No further direct mention of Pispah exists in the canonical Scriptures, but her inclusion in the lineage points to her tribal affiliation.
Historical and Genealogical Context
The passage in 1 Chronicles 7 provides tribal records of the northern tribes of Israel, specifically those descended from Joseph, through Manasseh and Ephraim. Genealogies like this one served to establish tribal inheritance rights, reinforce ethnic identity, and affirm God’s covenantal promises to the patriarchs.
In this context, Pispah would be part of the broader tribe of Manasseh, a significant tribe that received land both east and west of the Jordan River. Her placement in the genealogy, even if obscure, links her to God‘s covenantal people and their role in the unfolding story of redemption.
Theological Significance
While Pispah herself does not have a narrative role in the biblical text, her inclusion (or variant mention) in the genealogy of Manasseh teaches several theological truths:
1. Every Person Matters in God’s Story
The genealogies in the Bible remind us that God knows every individual by name, even those who appear only once. Each name, including Pispah’s, represents a real person created in God‘s image and included in the unfolding plan of redemption.
2. God’s Faithfulness Across Generations
The listing of names from Joseph to Pispah shows God’s faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations. Despite the ups and downs of Israel’s history, the lineage continues, demonstrating that God’s promises endure.
3. The Importance of Heritage and Identity
In ancient Israel, family and tribal identity were vital. Pispah’s mention, even obscure, places her in the inheritance of Manasseh. This points to the value of being part of God’s covenant community—a theme fulfilled in the New Testament by being part of the body of Christ.
How It Points to Jesus
Though Pispah is not directly connected to Jesus genealogically, her presence in the tribe of Manasseh ties her to the larger story of Israel, from whom Messiah would come. Jesus, though from the tribe of Judah, came to redeem all tribes and peoples. The obscure names in genealogies remind us of the hidden lives redeemed and made significant in Christ.
Christ, who sees every sparrow and knows every heart (Luke 12:6-7), is the fulfillment of all the obscure promises and forgotten names. He came not just for the prominent, but for the forgotten and overlooked. The inclusion of people like Pispah is a subtle reminder of God’s grace for all.
Broader Biblical Themes
God’s Sovereignty in History
Genealogies underscore God’s control over the unfolding of history. Even minor figures like Pispah are part of His divine orchestration.
Covenant Faithfulness
God keeps His covenant through generations. The names in genealogies, though easily skipped over, are markers of His unfailing promises.
Inclusion of the Hidden and Humble
The Bible includes those with no great acts recorded—people like Pispah—highlighting that God values faithfulness over fame.
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think God includes names like Pispah’s in the Bible, even if we know little or nothing about them?
- How does the idea that God values every person, even the obscure, encourage you in your own walk of faith?
- What does Pispah’s inclusion teach us about our identity in Christ, even when the world may overlook us?
- In what ways can we be faithful in our generation, just as unnamed believers were in theirs?
Conclusion:
Pispah may be a shadowy figure in Scripture, but her name, preserved in God’s Word, testifies to the dignity of every life known by God. Her story—or lack thereof—is a reminder that God’s redemptive plan includes the known and unknown, the celebrated and the silent. In Christ, every name—ours included—has eternal value.