from the same as חַשְׁמַן; enriched; Chashum, the name of two or three Israelites; Hashum.
Transliteration:Châshum
Pronunciation:khaw-shoom'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun חָשֻׁם (Châshum), Strong's number `{{H2828}}`, is derived from the same root as חַשְׁמַן (chashman, `{{H2831}}`), which signifies "rich" or "wealthy." Therefore, the core meaning of חָשֻׁם is "enriched" or "wealthy." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily limited to this etymological meaning applied to an individual. It implies a state of being made rich or prosperous, whether materially or in a more general sense of flourishing. The name itself reflects a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures of bestowing names that convey hope, blessing, or a characteristic of the bearer or their family.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חָשֻׁם (Châshum) appears several times in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah, identifying at least two distinct individuals, and possibly a third, all playing roles in the community's restoration.
1. **Ezra 2:19 / Nehemiah 7:22**: Here, Chashum is listed as the head of a family whose descendants returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The number of his male descendants is given as 223 in Ezra and 328 in Nehemiah, a common discrepancy in these parallel lists, but indicating a significant family unit. Their inclusion in these lists of returnees underscores their participation in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah.
* [[Ezra 2:19]]: "The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty-three."
* [[Nehemiah 7:22]]: "The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty-three." (Note: The numbers differ, but the family is the same.)
2. **Nehemiah 8:4**: This Chashum is identified as one of the men who stood at Ezra's right hand on the wooden platform when Ezra read the Law to the people. This context places him among the prominent leaders or respected individuals of the community, supporting Ezra's vital work of spiritual instruction and renewal. His presence signifies a role of public support and perhaps spiritual leadership.
* [[Nehemiah 8:4]]: "And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddana, Zechariah, and Meshullam."
3. **Nehemiah 10:18**: A chief of the people named Chashum is listed among those who sealed the solemn covenant to walk in God's Law, abstain from intermarriage, and support the temple. It is plausible, though not certain, that this is the same Chashum mentioned in Nehemiah 8:4, or perhaps a leading member of the family mentioned in Ezra 2:19/Nehemiah 7:22. His participation in sealing the covenant highlights his commitment to the spiritual and social reforms initiated by Nehemiah and Ezra.
* [[Nehemiah 10:18]]: "Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai," (part of a list of signatories).
In all occurrences, Chashum is presented as a figure of some standing within the post-exilic community. While the name itself means "enriched," the biblical text does not explicitly detail their material wealth but rather their roles in the community's return, spiritual revival, and covenant commitment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to חָשֻׁם (Châshum, `{{H2828}}`) is חַשְׁמַן (chashman, `{{H2831}}`), from which it is derived. חַשְׁמַן means "rich" or "wealthy," and is used in passages like [[Psalm 68:31]] to describe princes or noblemen. This direct etymological link firmly establishes the core meaning of "enriched" for חָשֻׁם.
Beyond this direct linguistic connection, the concept of "enrichment" or "wealth" in the biblical context is multifaceted. It can relate to:
* **Material Prosperity**: Often seen as a blessing from God for obedience ([[Deuteronomy 28:1-14]], [[Proverbs 10:22]]).
* **Abundance and Fullness**: Not just financial, but also in terms of family, land, and spiritual well-being.
* **Divine Favor**: Being "enriched" can signify God's favor and provision, enabling individuals or communities to thrive.
While חָשֻׁם is a proper noun, its underlying meaning connects it to these broader biblical themes of prosperity and divine blessing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָשֻׁם (Châshum, `{{H2828}}`) is primarily derived from the meaning of the name ("enriched") and the context in which its bearers appear. As a proper noun, it does not carry direct theological doctrine, but its etymology subtly points to divine providence and blessing.
In the post-exilic period, the return from Babylon was an act of God's grace and restoration. The very survival and re-establishment of the community could be seen as a form of divine "enrichment" after a period of desolation. Individuals named "Enriched" participating in this restoration may symbolize this broader theme. Their roles as heads of families, supporters of Ezra, and signatories to the covenant underscore that true enrichment, in a theological sense, is not merely material but encompasses spiritual vitality, communal solidarity, and covenant faithfulness.
The name could also serve as a reminder that all true wealth and prosperity ultimately come from God ([[Deuteronomy 8:18]]). For the returned exiles, who faced immense challenges, the presence of individuals named "Enriched" might have been an encouragement, a testament to God's continued blessing and His ability to restore and prosper His people, even in difficult circumstances. It suggests that God's people are indeed "enriched" by His presence, His law, and His covenant, which are far more valuable than earthly possessions.
### Summary
חָשֻׁם (Châshum, `{{H2828}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "enriched" or "wealthy," derived from חַשְׁמַן (`{{H2831}}`). It identifies several prominent Israelites in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These individuals include a family head whose descendants returned from exile ([[Ezra 2:19]], [[Nehemiah 7:22]]), a man who stood with Ezra during the reading of the Law ([[Nehemiah 8:4]]), and a chief who sealed the covenant ([[Nehemiah 10:18]]). While the name suggests material prosperity, its biblical occurrences highlight the bearers' active roles in the post-exilic community's restoration, spiritual renewal, and commitment to God's covenant. The name's meaning subtly reflects broader biblical themes of divine blessing, provision, and the ultimate "enrichment" found in God's faithfulness and the re-establishment of His people.
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