Who was Shashak in the Bible?

Shashak was a leader from the tribe of Benjamin, specifically a descendant of Elpaal. He is mentioned only in the genealogical records found in 1 Chronicles 8:14, 25, which list the family lines of Benjamin.

Why is Shashak mentioned in the Bible?

Shashak's inclusion in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8 highlights the importance of preserving the family lineage of the tribe of Benjamin. These records were crucial for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and the royal lineage from which King Saul came.

What is known about Shashak's life and family?

The Bible provides no details about events in Shashak's life. His significance comes solely from his place in the family tree, where he is listed as a son of Beriah and the father of several sons, continuing the Benjamite line (1 Chronicles 8:14-25).

Shashak

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleLeader

Shashak, a Benjamite leader, was a descendant of Elpaal and is mentioned in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.

Shashak

Biography

Shashak was a Benjamite leader listed among the heads of families in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8:14, 25. He was a son of Elpaal and the father of numerous sons, including Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, Iphdeiah, and Penuel, all recorded as heads of fathers' houses residing in Jerusalem. The name Shashak likely carries Semitic roots meaning something akin to "eager" or "runner." His genealogical position within the tribe of Benjamin is significant given that tribe's strategic and political importance throughout Israel's history, particularly as the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul. Shashak represents the administrative and tribal leadership structure that persisted in Israel's historical memory.

Significance

Shashak's prominence as a Benjamite clan head (1 Chronicles 8:14, 25) underscores the role genealogical records played in maintaining tribal identity and continuity within ancient Israel. The Chronicler's meticulous preservation of such lists was not mere antiquarianism but served a theological purpose: demonstrating that God's covenant with the tribes of Israel, including Benjamin, remained intact through centuries of upheaval. Shashak's large family of clan leaders reflects the vitality of Israel's tribal structures as foundational to social order and worship. His place in the Benjamite genealogy also connects indirectly to the broader story of Israel's monarchy and the ongoing drama of God's faithfulness to covenant promises.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 8:14 1Chr 8:25

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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