plural from שָׁלַם; reconciliations; Meshillemoth, an Israelite; Meshillemoth. Compare מְשִׁלֵּמִית.
Transliteration:Mᵉshillêmôwth
Pronunciation:mesh-il-lay-mohth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת (Mᵉshillêmôwth, `{{H4919}}`) is a plural noun derived from the root שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`). The fundamental meaning of שָׁלַם encompasses concepts of completeness, soundness, peace, and the act of making amends or rendering payment. It is the root from which the well-known word שָׁלוֹם (shalom), meaning "peace" or "wholeness," is derived.
The plural form מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת literally translates to "reconciliations," "payments," or "rewards." While the base definition points to these abstract concepts, מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת functions primarily as a proper noun in the biblical text, serving as the name of individuals. As a name, it carries the inherent meaning of its root, suggesting a connection to peace, wholeness, or the idea of recompense, perhaps reflecting a hope or a characteristic associated with the named person or their lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת (Mᵉshillêmôwth, `{{H4919}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each time as the name of an Israelite man:
1. **[[1 Chronicles 9:12]]**: Here, Meshillemoth is identified as "Meshillemoth the son of Immer," a priest listed among those who returned from the Babylonian exile and settled in Jerusalem. This verse is part of a detailed genealogical record focusing on the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the return. As a priest, Meshillemoth's name, "reconciliations" or "payments," resonates with the priestly function of mediating between God and humanity, offering sacrifices for atonement, and facilitating the restoration of relationship (reconciliation) through prescribed rites. The role of the priest often involved making things "right" or "whole" (shalem) between God and His people.
2. **[[2 Chronicles 28:12]]**: In this passage, Meshillemoth is mentioned as "Meshillemoth the son of Meshillemith, of the sons of Ephraim." He is listed as one of the heads of the Ephraimites who, during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, stood against the proposal to enslave the captives taken from Judah by the northern kingdom of Israel. This Meshillemoth, along with three other prominent leaders, demonstrated moral courage and adherence to the Law, advocating for the return of the captives to their brethren. The name "reconciliations" here might subtly underscore their actions aimed at restoring peace and unity within Israel, preventing further internal strife and upholding the principles of brotherly kindness. Notably, his father's name is מְשִׁלֵּמִית (Meshillemith, `{{H4918}}`), a feminine form of the same root, suggesting a family lineage that perhaps valued or embodied these concepts.
In both contexts, although a proper name, the underlying semantic weight of "reconciliations" or "payments" adds a layer of depth. For the priest, it speaks to the restoration of covenant relationship; for the tribal leader, it speaks to the restoration of justice and brotherhood.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת (Mᵉshillêmôwth, `{{H4919}}`) is שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`). This versatile root forms the basis for a rich tapestry of biblical concepts:
* **שָׁלוֹם (shalom)**: The most widely known derivative, signifying peace, wholeness, completeness, well-being, and prosperity. It encompasses not merely the absence of conflict but a state of flourishing and harmony.
* **שֶׁלֶם (shelem, `{{H8002}}`)**: Refers to a "peace offering" or "fellowship offering," a sacrifice offered to God as an expression of gratitude, a vow, or a freewill offering, often culminating in a communal meal that symbolized peace and communion between God and the worshiper. The very nature of this offering is one of reconciliation and restored relationship.
* **שִׁלֵּם (shillem)**: Refers to repayment, recompense, or retribution, highlighting the aspect of the root related to making things "even" or "complete" through payment or punishment. This can be positive (reward) or negative (punishment).
* **מְשִׁלֵּמִית (Meshillemith, `{{H4918}}`)**: The feminine counterpart of מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת, also a proper name, appearing in [[2 Chronicles 28:12]] as the father of Meshillemoth. This demonstrates the prevalence of names derived from שָׁלַם within Israelite society.
These related terms underscore the pervasive biblical theme of wholeness, peace, and the restoration of right relationships, whether between individuals, nations, or with God.
### Theological Significance
While מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת (Mᵉshillêmôwth) is a proper noun, its derivation from שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`) imbues it with profound theological significance. The concept of "reconciliations" points directly to the character of God as one who desires peace and wholeness for His creation.
The very act of creation can be seen as God bringing order and completeness (shalem) out of chaos. Sin, however, introduces a rupture, creating a need for "reconciliation" between God and humanity. The Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the peace offerings (שֶׁלֶם), foreshadowed the ultimate means of reconciliation. The priests, like Meshillemoth in [[1 Chronicles 9:12]], served as instruments in this process, facilitating the restoration of covenant relationship through prescribed rituals.
Furthermore, the concept of "recompense" or "payment" inherent in שָׁלַם speaks to God's justice and righteousness. He is the one who "pays back" according to deeds, whether in blessing or judgment. Yet, His ultimate "reconciliation" is an act of grace, where the "payment" for sin is made by Himself, thereby restoring peace.
The name Meshillemoth, carrying the weight of "reconciliations," thus serves as a subtle reminder of God's overarching plan for peace and restoration, a plan that culminates in the New Testament with the perfect reconciliation accomplished through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Even in the context of [[2 Chronicles 28:12]], the actions of Meshillemoth and his peers to restore captives reflect a divine imperative for justice and reconciliation among God's people.
### Summary
מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת (Mᵉshillêmôwth, `{{H4919}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, meaning "reconciliations" or "payments," derived from the foundational root שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`), which signifies completeness, peace, and wholeness. It appears in the Bible as the name of a priest in [[1 Chronicles 9:12]] and an Ephraimite leader in [[2 Chronicles 28:12]]. In both instances, the name, though functioning as a personal identifier, subtly echoes the broader biblical themes of peace, restoration, and the making of things whole. The profound theological significance lies in its connection to God's character as the ultimate reconciler, who brings peace and wholeness, and whose divine plan involves restoring broken relationships and bringing about ultimate harmony.
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