Malcham

AI summary: This Malcham matters because the cross references place him within Benjamin's genealogy, where even little-known names help stabilize the tribe's remembered descent. The entry is especially useful because it must be distinguished from the unrelated divine name that appears in prophetic and historical contexts. Taken together, the material presents this Malcham as a Benjaminite family figure whose value is genealogical rather than narrative.¹

(2 Sam. 12:30, Heb., R.V., “their king;” Jer. 49:1, 3, R.V.; Zeph. 1:5), the national idol of the Ammonites. When Rabbah was taken by David, the crown of this idol was among the spoils. The weight is said to have been “a talent of gold” (above 100 lbs.). The expression probably denotes its value rather than its weight. It was adorned with precious stones. ³