בִּשְׁלָם

בִּשְׁלָם

Bishlam, a Persian

Definition

Bishlam is a proper name of a Persian official mentioned in Ezra 4:7. He is listed as one of the authors, along with Mithredath and Tabeel, of a letter written to King Artaxerxes of Persia opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple by the returned Jewish exiles. The name itself is of foreign, likely Persian, origin. As a historical figure, Bishlam represents the political opposition faced by the Jewish community during the post-exilic period as they sought to reestablish their religious and national identity.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Ezra 4:7. It appears in a specific historical and administrative context: the record of official correspondence sent to the Persian king to halt the reconstruction of Jerusalem. The usage is purely as a personal name identifying one of the complainants against the Jews.

Etymology

The name Bishlam (בִּשְׁלָם) is explicitly noted as being of foreign derivation. It is not a Hebrew name but is of Persian origin, fitting the historical context of the Persian Empire's administration over Judah. Its exact meaning in Old Persian is uncertain, but its presence highlights the international political landscape of the time.

Semantic Range

While the name Bishlam itself carries no inherent theological meaning, its appearance is theologically significant. It represents the persistent opposition and spiritual warfare faced by God's people when they are obedient to His call to rebuild and restore worship (as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah). The incident underscores themes of divine providence and the need for perseverance and trust in God despite political resistance. In its original setting, the name identifies a Persian official within the imperial bureaucracy. The use of a Persian name in a Hebrew biblical text reflects the reality of the Jewish diaspora living under foreign rule. It signifies the external political powers that controlled Judah's fate and against which the Jewish community had to navigate to fulfill their religious duties.

Word Details