Who Was Massa in the Bible?
A Man Living at the Time of the Patriarchs
Massa is a figure mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 25:14 and 1 Chronicles 1:30. He is identified as one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, who was the son of Abraham and Hagar. The Hebrew name מַשָּׂא (Massa) means “burden” or “oracle,” reflecting the significance of his lineage in the biblical narrative.
Biblical References and Lineage
Genesis 25:13-16
“These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael, and these are the names of the twelve tribal rulers according to their settlements and camps.”
1 Chronicles 1:29-31
“These are their genealogies: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael.”
Massa and his brothers are part of the genealogy of the Arab peoples. Ishmael, Abraham’s son with Hagar, was promised by God to become a great nation (Genesis 17:20). The descendants of Ishmael, including Massa, became the progenitors of various tribes and nations in the Arabian Peninsula.
Historical and Cultural Context
The genealogies in Genesis and 1 Chronicles emphasize the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham. Ishmael’s descendants, including Massa, played significant roles in the formation of the Arab tribes. These genealogies are crucial for understanding the historical and cultural backdrop of the biblical narrative, highlighting the diverse heritage and spread of Abraham’s descendants.
God’s Promise to Ishmael
“And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.” (Genesis 17:20, NIV)
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Importance of Genealogies
The mention of Massa and his brothers in the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles underscores the importance of lineage in the Bible. These genealogies are not mere historical records; they reflect God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Modern Christians can learn the significance of understanding their spiritual heritage and the continuity of God’s plan through generations.
God’s Faithfulness
Massa’s inclusion in the biblical genealogies highlights God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Despite the complexities and challenges faced by Ishmael and his descendants, God’s promise to make Ishmael a great nation was fulfilled. This reassures Christians that God remains faithful to His promises, regardless of circumstances.
Diversity in God’s Plan
The genealogy of Ishmael’s descendants, including Massa, reflects the diversity in God’s creation and His redemptive plan. God’s blessings extended beyond Isaac to include Ishmael, emphasizing that His plan encompasses all nations and peoples. Christians are reminded to embrace and celebrate this diversity within the body of Christ.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Inclusive Love
The story of Massa and his brothers illustrates God’s inclusive love and His concern for all of Abraham’s descendants. God’s blessings were not limited to Isaac but also extended to Ishmael. This demonstrates God’s expansive love and His desire for all people to be part of His redemptive plan.
Assurance of God’s Provision
God’s promise to make Ishmael’s descendants into a great nation is a testament to His provision and care. Despite Ishmael’s challenging start, God ensured that his descendants, including Massa, were fruitful and established. This provides Christians with the assurance that God is attentive to their needs and will provide for them according to His promises.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Fulfillment of God’s Promises
The genealogies that include Massa ultimately point to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham, bringing blessings to all nations. The inclusion of Ishmael’s descendants in the biblical narrative highlights the broad scope of God’s salvation plan through Christ.
Galatians 3:29
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (NIV)
Jesus’ Ministry of Reconciliation
Jesus’ ministry emphasized reconciliation and breaking down barriers between different peoples. The story of Massa and his lineage underscores the need for reconciliation and unity within God’s diverse family. Christians are called to follow Jesus’ example in fostering peace and unity among all people.
Ephesians 2:14
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (NIV)
Conclusion
Massa, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, is a significant figure in the genealogy of the Arab peoples, tracing his lineage back to Ishmael, the son of Abraham. His inclusion in the biblical narrative highlights the fulfillment of God’s promises and the diverse heritage of the nations that emerged from the Patriarchs. For modern Christians, Massa’s story underscores the importance of genealogies, God’s faithfulness, and the diversity within God’s redemptive plan. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to embrace their spiritual heritage and celebrate the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. Through understanding these connections, Christians can deepen their faith and appreciation for God’s overarching plan throughout history.