Rakem
Rakem was a son of Sheresh, from the tribe of Manasseh.
Biography
Rakem is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Manasseh as a son of Sheresh, who was a descendant of Machir and Maacah (1 Chronicles 7:16). His brother was Ulam, whose descendants became notable warriors in the tribe of Manasseh. The name Rakem may be related to the Hebrew word for "embroidery" or "variegation," though its precise meaning is uncertain. As a member of the Machirite clan, Rakem belonged to the militarily significant branch of Manasseh that had settled in the Transjordan region, the same clan that had originally conquered Gilead under Moses' leadership (Numbers 32:39-40). No narrative events involving Rakem are recorded; his appearance is confined to the tribal genealogy that the Chronicler compiled to establish clan identities and territorial claims.
Significance
Rakem's inclusion in the Manassite genealogy serves the Chronicler's broader project of documenting Israel's tribal structure, particularly important for the post-exilic community seeking to reestablish its identity and connections to the land. As part of the house of Machir, Rakem belongs to a lineage praised for its martial valor and its role in conquering and settling Gilead. His genealogical record preserves the memory of families that fulfilled God's command to possess the Promised Land. Such entries, though brief, affirm that every branch of Israel's family tree was known to God and contributed to the collective story of the covenant people.
Verse Appearances (1)
1 Chronicles
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]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]