Shelesh
Shelesh, a son of Hotham (or 'Helem'), from the tribe of Asher.
Biography
Shelesh was a son of Hotham (also identified as Helem in some textual traditions) from the tribe of Asher, recorded in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 7:35. He is listed among the sons of Helem alongside Zophah, Imna, and Amal, constituting part of the Asherite clan inventory that Chronicles preserves. The Asherite genealogical lists in 1 Chronicles 7:30–40 are notable for their enumeration of 'valiant warriors, heads of princes,' suggesting that the men named, including Shelesh, may have been associated with military leadership within their tribe. Beyond this genealogical reference, no narrative details about Shelesh's personal history are preserved in Scripture.
Significance
Shelesh's appearance in the Asherite genealogy of 1 Chronicles reflects the Chronicler's theological commitment to presenting all twelve tribes as full participants in the covenant community of Israel. The tribe of Asher, though sometimes overlooked in the historical narratives, is given its proper place in Israel's family record. The enumeration of 'valiant warriors' within the Asherite clans, among whom Shelesh is counted, affirms that God's purposes for Israel were not accomplished solely through the famous tribes of Judah or Ephraim but through the faithful contributions of all twelve. Every named individual within these lists bears witness to the comprehensive scope of God's covenant with the whole house of Israel.
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]