patronymically from יְרַחְמְאֵל; a Jerachmeelite or descendant of Jerachmeel; Jerahmeelites.
Transliteration:Yᵉrachmᵉʼêlîy
Pronunciation:yer-akh-meh-ay-lee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יְרַחְמְאֵלִי (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêlîy), Strong's number `{{H3397}}`, is a gentilic noun derived patronymically from the proper name יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl), Strong's number `{{H3396}}`. Its core meaning is "a Jerahmeelite" or "descendant of Jerahmeel." As a gentilic, it specifically identifies an individual or, more commonly in its plural form, a group of people belonging to the lineage of Jerahmeel. The underlying personal name יְרַחְמְאֵל itself carries the rich theological meaning of "May God have compassion" or "God will have compassion," stemming from the Hebrew root רחם (r-ch-m) for compassion and אֵל ('El) for God. Thus, while the term primarily denotes a familial or tribal affiliation, it subtly carries the theological resonance of its root name. Its semantic range is narrow, exclusively referring to this specific clan or tribal branch.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term יְרַחְמְאֵלִי (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêlîy) appears exclusively in the book of 1 Samuel, always in the plural form, referring to the "Jerahmeelites."
1. **[[1 Samuel 27:10]]:** During David's sojourn in Ziklag under Achish, king of Gath, David would raid various groups. When Achish asks where David had raided, David deceptively replies that he had raided "the Negeb of Judah, or the Negeb of the Jerahmeelites, or the Negeb of the Kenites." This statement places the Jerahmeelites as a distinct group inhabiting a specific region within or adjacent to the Negeb of Judah.
2. **[[1 Samuel 30:29]]:** After rescuing his family and possessions from the Amalekites, David sends portions of the spoil to the elders of Judah and to various cities and groups, including "those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites." This act demonstrates David's strategic political acumen, extending favor and building alliances with various Judahite and allied groups in anticipation of his future kingship.
From [[1 Chronicles 2:9]], [[1 Chronicles 2:25-27]], and [[1 Chronicles 2:33]], we learn that Jerahmeel was the firstborn son of Hezron, who was a son of Perez, a son of Judah. This lineage firmly establishes the Jerahmeelites as a significant branch of the tribe of Judah. Their location in the Negeb, as indicated in 1 Samuel, suggests they were a southern Judahite clan, perhaps bordering other groups like the Kenites. David's interaction with them, both in his feigned raids and in his distribution of spoil, highlights their political relevance in the southern tribal landscape during his rise to power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the proper noun יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl), Strong's number `{{H3396}}`, from which the gentilic is derived. This connection is crucial for understanding the potential theological undertones of the name.
Other related concepts include:
* **Gentilic Nouns:** The formation of יְרַחְמְאֵלִי mirrors other gentilic terms in the Hebrew Bible that designate people groups based on ancestry or origin, such as "Calebites" (`{{H3613}}`) or "Kenites" (`{{H7017}}`), often indicating distinct tribal or clan identities within the broader Israelite framework.
* **Tribal Structure:** The existence and mention of the Jerahmeelites underscore the intricate genealogical and tribal organization of ancient Israel, particularly within the sprawling tribe of Judah.
* **The Negeb:** The geographical region of the Negeb (`{{H5045}}`) is consistently associated with the Jerahmeelites, placing them in a specific southern frontier zone.
* **Divine Compassion (רחם):** The root meaning of the name Jerahmeel connects to the broader biblical theme of God's steadfast love and compassion (e.g., `{{H7355}}`, *rachamim*).
### Theological Significance
While the text does not offer explicit theological commentary on the Jerahmeelites as a people, their very name, "May God have compassion," carries profound theological weight. This name serves as a quiet testimony to the character of God, whose compassion is a foundational attribute. Even for a specific clan, their identity is rooted in a declaration of divine mercy.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the Jerahmeelites in the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to David, speaks to God's meticulous ordering of history and His people. Their presence, as a distinct branch of Judah, highlights the divine sovereignty over the genealogies and movements of the tribes. David's strategic engagement with the Jerahmeelites—both in his feigned raids to deceive Achish and in his later distribution of spoil to secure loyalty—can be seen as an early manifestation of his divinely guided leadership. It demonstrates his nascent ability to unify disparate elements of Judah and beyond, foreshadowing his eventual role as the divinely appointed king over all Israel. God's providential hand guides David's actions, even in complex and morally ambiguous situations, to prepare him for his future responsibilities, including the integration of all Judahite clans under his rule.
### Summary
The term יְרַחְמְאֵלִי (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêlîy), Strong's number `{{H3397}}`, identifies the "Jerahmeelites," a distinct patrilineal clan descended from Jerahmeel, the firstborn son of Hezron, a grandson of Judah. Their name, "May God have compassion," subtly points to a core attribute of the Divine. Biblically, they are found in the Negeb region in 1 Samuel, where they interact strategically with David during his sojourn in Ziklag. David's actions, both feigned raids and the sharing of spoil, indicate their significance as a southern Judahite group whose loyalty was sought. The study of the Jerahmeelites underscores the intricate tribal structures of ancient Israel, the strategic complexities of David's rise to kingship, and the quiet yet pervasive theme of God's compassion and sovereign ordering of human history, even in the details of a specific clan's identity and interactions.
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