### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Châmûwl**, represented by `{{H2538}}`, identifies an Israelite individual named **Hamul**. The name means **pitied**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within genealogical records that establish his place within the tribe of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2538}}` is used to pinpoint **Hamul**'s lineage. He is first recorded as one of the two **sons** `{{H1121}}` of Pharez who descended into Egypt as part of Jacob's household [[Genesis 46:12]]. This record is later mirrored in 1 Chronicles, which affirms that the **sons** of Pharez were Hezron and **Hamul** [[1 Chronicles 2:5]]. Finally, a census taken in the book of Numbers lists the descendants of Pharez, identifying the clan that came from **Hamul** as "the **family** of the Hamulites" [[Numbers 26:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Hamul's place within Israel's tribal structure:
* `{{H6557}}` **Perets** (the same as פֶּרֶץ; Perets, the name of two Israelites; Perez, Pharez): Hamul is a direct **son** of **Pharez**, placing him in one of the primary lines of descent from Judah [[Genesis 46:12]].
* `{{H2696}}` **Chetsrôwn** (from חָצֵר; court-yard; Chetsron, the name of a place in Palestine; also of two Israelites; Hezron): Listed as the brother of **Hamul**, **Hezron** is his counterpart in carrying forward the family line of Pharez [[1 Chronicles 2:5]].
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (from יָדָה; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory; Judah): As a grandson of **Judah**, Hamul belongs to the tribe that would become the most prominent in Israel [[Genesis 46:12]].
* `{{H2539}}` **Châmûwlîy** (patronymically from חָמוּל; a Chamulite (collectively) or descendants of Chamul; Hamulites): This term refers to the official clan descended from **Hamul**, demonstrating that his line grew into a recognized **family** unit within the nation [[Numbers 26:21]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people; family, kind(-red)): This word is used to formally designate the Hamulites as a distinct **family** group during the census of Israel [[Numbers 26:21]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2538}}` is rooted in its function within biblical genealogies and the structure of Israel.
* **Continuation of a Key Lineage:** Hamul and his brother Hezron are essential figures in the line of **Judah** `{{H3063}}`. Their births ensured the continuation of the line of Pharez after Judah's first two sons, **Er** `{{H6147}}` and **Onan** `{{H209}}`, **died** `{{H4191}}` in the land of Canaan [[Genesis 46:12]].
* **Founder of a Clan:** Hamul is presented not just as an individual but as the patriarch of a clan. The census in Numbers validates his legacy by identifying "the **family** of the Hamulites" `{{H2539}}` as a formal subdivision of the tribe of Judah [[Numbers 26:21]].
* **Tribal Identity:** The inclusion of **Hamul** in the key genealogical lists of Genesis, Numbers, and 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of maintaining a precise record of the families that constituted the twelve tribes of Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2538}}` is the proper name **Hamul**, a figure whose importance is defined by his genealogical position. As a **son** of Pharez and grandson of **Judah**, he played a vital role in continuing one of Israel's most significant lineages. His legacy is cemented by the founding of the **Hamulites**, a recognized **family** that formed a component of the Israelite nation.
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