Who was Shelomith in the Bible?

Shelomith was a Levite from the family of Izhar, a clan within the tribe of Levi responsible for religious duties. He is listed among those who served in the temple during the time of King David (1 Chronicles 23:18, 24:22).

What is the significance of Shelomith being a Levite?

As a Levite from the line of Izhar, Shelomith held a sacred role in Israel's worship system. Levites were set apart to assist the priests, maintain the tabernacle, and lead the people in music and praise (Numbers 3:27-32).

What key events was Shelomith involved in?

Shelomith was involved in the reorganization of the temple service under King David. He was appointed by lot to a specific division of priests and Levites for their rotational duties in the house of the Lord (1 Chronicles 24:1-6).

Shelomith

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleLevite

Shelomith (or Shelomoth), a Levite of the family of Izhar.

Shelomith

Biography

Shelomith (also rendered Shelomoth) was a Levite descended from Izhar, son of Kohath, and thus a member of one of the three great Levitical families entrusted with the care and service of the tabernacle. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:18 and 24:22 among the Levitical clans organized by David for temple service in anticipation of the Jerusalem temple that Solomon would build. As the head of the Izharite clan, Shelomith represented a branch of the Kohathite Levites who had historically carried the most sacred implements of the tabernacle during the wilderness journeys. His family's designated role in the ordered worship life of Israel reflects David's careful structuring of temple personnel.

Significance

Shelomith's place among the Kohathite Levites traces back to a family that had carried the ark of the covenant and the most sacred tabernacle furnishings through the wilderness. David's organization of the Levitical clans, including the Izharites under Shelomith, represented a pivotal moment in Israel's worship history, the transition from the portable tabernacle to the permanent temple. By establishing these orders, David ensured that Israel's worship would be conducted with proper reverence, continuity, and structure. Shelomith embodies the principle that ordered, faithful service in God's house is itself a form of devotion, and that the holiness of God is honored through the careful, appointed ministry of those set apart for His service.

Verse Appearances (1)

Leviticus

Leviticus 24:11

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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