### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Lôwchêsh**, represented by `{{H3873}}`, is the name of an Israelite, appearing in scripture as Hallohesh. The name, derived from a root meaning "enchanter," appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**. In the biblical record, it identifies a key figure during the time of Nehemiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3873}}` is used to identify a man whose family was integral to the restoration of Jerusalem. Hallohesh is named as the father of Shallum, a ruler over a half part of Jerusalem who, along with his daughters, repaired a section of the city wall [[Nehemiah 3:12]]. He is also listed directly among the leaders who sealed the covenant to follow God's laws, signifying his prominent role in the community's spiritual renewal [[Nehemiah 10:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role of Hallohesh and his family:
* `{{H7967}}` **Shallûwm** (Shallum): This is the name of Hallohesh's son, one of fourteen Israelites with this name [[Nehemiah 3:12]]. He was a ruler who took on the work of rebuilding.
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (ruler): This title, meaning "a head person (of any rank or class)," describes the position of authority held by Shallum, son of Hallohesh [[Nehemiah 3:12]].
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (repaired): This verb, which means to fortify, strengthen, or help, describes the work done by Shallum and his daughters on the wall of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:12]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son) and `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): These terms highlight the family-wide commitment to the restoration effort, with both the son and daughters of Shallum participating in the work [[Nehemiah 3:12]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H3873}}` is tied to the post-exilic restoration of Israel.
* **Family-Based Restoration:** The mention of Hallohesh's descendants—his son `{{H1121}}` Shallum and his daughters `{{H1323}}`—demonstrates that the rebuilding of Jerusalem was a collective effort undertaken by families, not just individuals [[Nehemiah 3:12]].
* **Leadership and Responsibility:** Through his son, a "ruler" `{{H8269}}`, Hallohesh is associated with leadership and civic duty. The family took responsibility for a specific portion of the wall, showing their commitment to the community's physical security.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** Hallohesh's presence in the list of those who sealed the covenant signifies his personal and public commitment to Israel's spiritual renewal [[Nehemiah 10:24]]. He was a leader who affirmed his allegiance to God's law.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3873}}` identifies Hallohesh, an Israelite leader whose legacy is recorded in the book of Nehemiah. Though mentioned only twice, his name is connected to the crucial tasks of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall through his family's labor and to the spiritual recommitment of the nation by his sealing of the covenant. He represents the faithful families who were instrumental in the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel after the exile.
TRV