Who was Meshullam in the Bible?

Meshullam was a Benjamite, recorded as the son of Shephathiah and a descendant of Reuel and Ibnijah. He is listed among the genealogies of those who returned from exile and resettled in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 9:7-9).

What is the significance of Meshullam?

Meshullam's significance lies in his inclusion in the post-exilic genealogy, which helped establish the continuity and legitimacy of the tribe of Benjamin. His mention shows God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His people after the Babylonian captivity.

What did Meshullam do in the Bible?

The Bible does not record specific events or actions from Meshullam's life. His role is primarily genealogical, identifying him as a resident of Jerusalem after the return from exile, as noted in the family records of 1 Chronicles 9.

Meshullam

Old TestamentExile & ReturnMaleSon

Meshullam, a Benjamite, was the son of Shephathiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah (1Ch.9.8).

Meshullam

Biography

Meshullam was a Benjamite descended from a distinguished lineage traced through Shephathiah, Reuel, and Ibnijah, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 9:8. He was among the Israelites who resettled in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile, representing the tribe of Benjamin's continued presence in the holy city. The list in 1 Chronicles 9 catalogs those families who took the courageous step of leaving the relative safety of their ancestral villages to repopulate Jerusalem, which had been devastated during the destruction of 586 BC. Meshullam's four-generation genealogy established his legitimate Benjamite credentials and his family's right to dwell in the restored capital. His resettlement contributed to the reconstitution of Jerusalem as a functioning Israelite city under Persian-period governance.

Significance

Meshullam's presence among Jerusalem's post-exilic settlers demonstrates God's faithfulness in restoring His people to the promised land after judgment. The careful recording of his genealogy through four generations served to verify legitimate tribal membership, a crucial concern for the returned community seeking to reestablish covenant identity. Benjamin's presence alongside Judah in repopulating Jerusalem fulfilled the prophetic expectation that God would preserve a remnant from these tribes. Meshullam's willingness to resettle in a ruined city reflects the faith required of those who participate in God's work of restoration, reminding believers that rebuilding after divine discipline demands both courage and trust in God's promises.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 9:7

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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