Who was Meshullam in the Bible?

Meshullam was a Benjamite, listed as one of the sons of Elpaal in the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:17). He is a relatively minor figure, mentioned only in this genealogical record.

Why is Meshullam mentioned in the Bible?

Meshullam's mention preserves the historical and genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin, which was important for establishing lineage, land rights, and the continuity of God's people. His inclusion helps trace the family lines within Israel.

What does the name Meshullam mean?

The name Meshullam means 'friend' or 'allied' in Hebrew. While the Bible doesn't detail his life, names often carried significant meaning, and his suggests a character of peace or reconciliation.

Meshullam

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Meshullam, a Benjamite, was one of the sons of Elpaal (1Ch.8.17).

Meshullam

Biography

Meshullam was a Benjamite listed among the descendants of Elpaal in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8:17. As a son of Elpaal, he belonged to a significant Benjamite family whose members are credited with building or rebuilding the towns of Ono and Lod (1 Chronicles 8:12). The Elpaal clan represented an industrious branch of Benjamin that contributed to the settlement and development of the tribal territory. Meshullam's placement within this genealogy connects him to a lineage of builders and settlers who helped establish Benjamite presence in the lowland regions west of Jerusalem. Though little is recorded about his individual deeds, his family line played a notable role in the expansion and urbanization of Benjamite territory during the monarchic period.

Significance

Meshullam's inclusion in the Benjamite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8 highlights Scripture's emphasis on preserving family lines through which God's covenant purposes advanced. The tribe of Benjamin, though smallest among Israel's tribes, held outsized significance as the tribe that remained loyal to Judah after the kingdom divided. The Elpaal family's association with town-building demonstrates that faithfulness often manifests in practical, community-sustaining labor. Meshullam's genealogical record ensures that even those who served God through ordinary family life and civic contribution are remembered within the biblical narrative, affirming that every member of God's covenant people has a place in the larger story of redemption.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 8:17

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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