Who was Meshullam in the Bible?

Meshullam was a leader from the tribe of Gad, mentioned as living during the reign of King Jotham of Judah. He is listed among the heads of families in the Transjordan region (1 Chronicles 5:13-14).

What is the significance of Meshullam?

His significance lies in representing the Gadites during a period of national strength and expansion under King Jotham. His mention helps document the genealogy and military strength of the eastern tribes (1 Chronicles 5:18-19).

What key events was Meshullam part of?

The Bible records no specific events of his life, but his listing implies he was a leader when the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh waged successful wars. He lived during a time when these tribes were numerous and powerful (1 Chronicles 5:18-20).

Meshullam

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLeader

Meshullam, a Gadite leader during the reign of Jotham, king of Judah (1Ch.5.13).

Meshullam

Biography

Meshullam was a prominent leader within the tribe of Gad who exercised authority during the reign of Jotham, king of Judah, in the eighth century BC. His name appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 5:13, where he is listed among the heads of the Gadite clans who settled in the territory of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. The Gadites were known as fierce warriors, and their leaders bore responsibility for organizing and defending their tribal allotment. Meshullam's inclusion in these records during Jotham's relatively stable reign suggests he played a role in maintaining Gadite tribal identity and governance during a period when the northern and eastern tribes faced increasing pressure from Assyrian expansion under Tiglath-Pileser III.

Significance

Meshullam's mention in the Gadite genealogies underscores Scripture's concern with preserving tribal identity and leadership structures within Israel. The Gadites, settled in the vulnerable Transjordan region, required strong leaders to maintain covenant faithfulness amid pagan influences. His listing during Jotham's reign places him in a transitional era before the devastating Assyrian deportations that would soon scatter the eastern tribes. Meshullam's record reminds readers that God's purposes extend through faithful leaders in every tribe, even those geographically distant from Jerusalem's temple worship. His legacy illustrates the importance of godly leadership in sustaining community identity during times of growing national uncertainty.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 5:13

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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