שַׁלּוּם

שַׁלּוּם

Shallum, the name of fourteen Israelites

Definition

Shallum is a proper name given to fourteen different individuals in the Old Testament, most notably a king of Israel and a prophet. King Shallum of Israel (2 Kings 15:10-15) assassinated King Zechariah, son of Jeroboam II, and reigned for only one month before being killed himself, fulfilling a prophecy about the instability of Jehu's dynasty. Another significant Shallum is the husband of the prophetess Huldah (2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22), who was consulted during King Josiah's religious reforms. The name is also borne by various other figures, including Levites, gatekeepers, and descendants of Judah (e.g., 1 Chronicles 2:40-41; 9:17-19).

Biblical Usage

The name Shallum appears 26 times across historical and genealogical books, primarily in 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and Ezra. It is used exclusively as a personal name for male Israelites. In narrative contexts, it often marks minor but pivotal figures, such as the short-reigning king (2 Kings 15:10-15) or a relative in a prophetic story (2 Kings 22:14). In genealogical lists, it serves to trace lineage, particularly in the tribes of Judah and Levi (1 Chronicles 2:40-41; 9:17-19).

Etymology

The name שַׁלּוּם (Shallûwm) is derived from the root שׁלם (sh-l-m), meaning 'to be complete, safe, or at peace.' It is a shorter form of the name שְׁלֹמֹה (Shelomoh, Solomon, H8010), meaning 'his peace,' and is identical to the common noun שִׁלּוּם (shillûwm, H7966), meaning 'recompense' or 'reward.' Thus, the name conveys a sense of wholeness, safety, or fulfillment, similar to the modern name 'Solomon.'

Semantic Range

While primarily a personal name, Shallum's most notable bearer—the king who assassinated Zechariah—illustrates the theme of divine judgment on dynastic sin, as foretold to Jehu (2 Kings 10:30; 15:12). His brief, violent reign underscores the political and moral chaos in Israel preceding the Assyrian exile. The prophetess Huldah's connection to Shallum (2 Kings 22:14) highlights how God used faithful individuals, even through family associations, to guide national repentance under Josiah. The name's meaning ('peace' or 'wholeness') can contrast ironically with the turmoil surrounding some of its bearers. In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaningful aspirations or described circumstances. 'Shallum,' meaning 'peace' or 'wholeness,' was likely given to express a hope for the child's well-being or to commemorate a time of peace. Its use across different tribes (e.g., Judah, Levi) shows it was a common name, not restricted to a specific family or social class. The variety of roles—king, prophet's husband, gatekeeper—reflects its broad usage among both prominent and ordinary Israelites. שְׁלֹמֹה (Shelomoh, H8010) — The longer, more famous form meaning 'his peace,' as in King Solomon. שָׁלוֹם (shâlôm, H7965) — The common noun for 'peace, wholeness, welfare,' from the same root. יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yehôshâphâṭ, H3092) — A name meaning 'Yahweh has judged,' contrasting with Shallum's peaceful connotation, yet both are kings in the biblical narrative.

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