Matrites (family)

The Matri, (plural: Matrites, Hebrew: מַּטְרִי) were one of several distinguished ancient Israelite families from the Tribe of Benjamin. They are most notable as the family of King Saul seeing as, when Israel chose its first king, the lot fell upon the clan of Matri [1 Samuel Chapter 10:21]. The size and origin of the family is unknown. But it is likely they were one of several small families (almost clans) who comprised the Tribe of Benjamin. The genetic connection of a tribal family at the time is unclear, however each was probably made up of fifty or so third or fourth cousins who all shared a common ancestor, that being Matri daughter of Huppim son of Iri son of Belah son of Benjamin. The linage of Sauls father Kish is "Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of Shchorim the son of Matri" [1 Samuel Chapter 9:1]. Mordecai is also noted as being from the house of Saul.