or מְשֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ; from שָׁלַם and יָהּ; ally of Jah; Meshelemjah, an Israelite; Meshelemiah.
Transliteration:Mᵉshelemyâh
Pronunciation:mesh-eh-lem-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מְשֶׁלֶמְיָה (Mᵉshelemyâh), also appearing as מְשֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ (Mᵉshelemyâhu), is a theophoric name derived from two components: the verb שָׁלַם (shalam, `{{H7999}}`) and the divine element יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of Yahweh. The root שָׁלַם (shalam) carries a rich semantic range, encompassing concepts of completeness, soundness, peace, restitution, and recompense.
Given this etymology, the name Mᵉshelemyâh can be interpreted in several profound ways:
1. **"Ally of Yah"**: This is a common and widely accepted interpretation, suggesting a covenantal relationship or a state of being in alliance with God. It implies faithfulness and support for the divine will.
2. **"Yahweh is Completeness/Peace"**: This interpretation emphasizes God as the source of wholeness, well-being, and *shalom* (peace). It suggests that in Yahweh, one finds ultimate fulfillment and reconciliation.
3. **"Yahweh is Recompense/Reward"**: Less common but plausible, this interpretation highlights God as the one who provides just recompense or reward, perhaps for faithfulness or service.
The primary understanding leans towards the first two, underscoring either the individual's relationship with God or God's character as the bringer of peace and wholeness. As a proper noun, its meaning reflects a theological statement about the bearer's identity or the hopes of their parents.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Mᵉshelemyâh (`{{H4920}}`) appears exclusively in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically in contexts related to the organization of the Levitical service during David's reign. He is identified as a prominent gatekeeper of the tabernacle/temple.
The occurrences are:
* [[1 Chronicles 9:21]]: Here, Meshelemiah is listed among the gatekeepers of the tent of meeting, highlighting his significant role in guarding the sacred space. He is identified as the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph, placing him within a distinguished Levitical lineage.
* [[1 Chronicles 26:1]]: This verse reintroduces Meshelemiah as a Korahite, a chief gatekeeper, underscoring his leadership position. The text notes his numerous sons, suggesting a large and influential family dedicated to temple service.
* [[1 Chronicles 26:2]]: This verse lists his firstborn son, Zechariah, and other sons, further detailing his family.
* [[1 Chronicles 26:9]]: This verse specifies the total number of Meshelemiah's sons and brothers who were "able men for strength for the service," numbering eighteen. This emphasizes the physical and spiritual robustness required for their duties.
* [[1 Chronicles 26:14]]: This verse records the casting of lots for the gatekeeping assignments, where the lot for the East Gate fell to Meshelemiah. This was a highly significant and honorable position, as the East Gate was the primary entrance to the temple complex. His son Zechariah received the lot for the North Gate, indicating the family's widespread involvement in these crucial roles.
The consistent portrayal of Meshelemiah as a faithful and capable chief gatekeeper underscores the importance of order, security, and access within the sacred precincts. His role was not merely custodial but involved maintaining the sanctity and purity of the worship space, ensuring that only those authorized could enter certain areas.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Mᵉshelemyâh (`{{H4920}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic and theological connections:
* **שָׁלַם (shalam, `{{H7999}}`)**: This is the verbal root from which the name's meaning is largely derived. It signifies completeness, soundness, peace, and making whole. Its derivatives include:
* **שָׁלוֹם (shalom, `{{H7965}}`)**: The well-known noun for peace, welfare, prosperity, and wholeness. The connection of Meshelemiah's name to *shalom* suggests a person whose life or service embodies divine peace or helps to establish it.
* **שִׁלּוּם (shillum, `{{H7966}}`)**: Recompense, retribution. This ties into the "Yahweh is recompense" interpretation.
* **יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`)**: The shortened form of the divine name Yahweh. Its presence in theophoric names like Meshelemiah signifies a direct connection to God, often expressing a theological truth about God's character or relationship with humanity. Examples include Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation") and Jeremiah ("Yahweh exalts").
* **Theophoric Names**: Names containing elements of God's name are pervasive in the biblical narrative. They serve as miniature theological statements, reflecting the faith of the parents, a prayer for the child, or a declaration of God's attributes.
* **Levitical Service and Gatekeepers**: Meshelemiah's role as a chief gatekeeper (שׁוֹעֵר, sho'er) connects him to the broader concept of temple service and the meticulous organization of worship. Gatekeepers were responsible for security, regulating access, and maintaining order, thus upholding the sanctity of God's dwelling place. This highlights themes of faithfulness, responsibility, and the sacredness of divine presence.
### Theological Significance
The name Mᵉshelemyâh, embodying "Ally of Yah" or "Yahweh is Completeness/Peace," carries deep theological resonance. It speaks to a personal relationship with the Divine and the attributes of God.
1. **Divine Alliance and Faithfulness**: If "Ally of Yah" is the primary meaning, Meshelemiah's name serves as a testament to the covenantal relationship between God and His people. His life, as depicted in 1 Chronicles, exemplifies this alliance through dedicated service as a gatekeeper. His faithfulness in this crucial role reflects the very essence of being an "ally"—one who stands with and serves the Lord. This underscores the theological principle that true alliance with God manifests in obedient service.
2. **God as the Source of Wholeness (Shalom)**: The potential meaning "Yahweh is Completeness/Peace" points to a foundational theological truth: ultimate peace and wholeness are found only in God. In a world often marked by fragmentation and strife, this name proclaims that God Himself is the source of true *shalom*. Meshelemiah's role in maintaining order at the temple, a place of peace and divine presence, symbolically reinforces this.
3. **The Importance of Sacred Space and Access**: As a chief gatekeeper, Meshelemiah's duties were profoundly theological. He was a guardian of the boundary between the sacred and the profane, ensuring that God's presence was honored and protected. This highlights the biblical emphasis on holiness, the need for proper approach to God, and the meticulous care required for divine worship. His position underscores that access to God's presence is ordered and sacred, not chaotic or common.
4. **Generational Faithfulness**: The mention of Meshelemiah's many sons, particularly Zechariah who was a "wise counselor" ([[1 Chronicles 26:14]]), indicates a lineage committed to God's service. This speaks to the biblical theme of generational faithfulness and the passing down of spiritual heritage, where the blessings of divine alliance and peace extend through families.
### Summary
Mᵉshelemyâh (`{{H4920}}`) is a significant Hebrew proper noun, a theophoric name derived from שָׁלַם (shalam, `{{H7999}}`) and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`). Its core meaning oscillates between "Ally of Yah" and "Yahweh is Completeness/Peace," both interpretations underscoring a profound relationship with God. Biblically, Meshelemiah is consistently portrayed in 1 Chronicles as a prominent and faithful chief gatekeeper of the tabernacle/temple during King David's reign. His role was vital in maintaining the sanctity and order of the sacred space, ensuring proper access for worship. The name's connection to the root *shalem* links it to concepts of peace, wholeness, and divine recompense, while the "Yah" element firmly grounds it in a declaration about Yahweh's character. Theologically, Meshelemiah's life and name serve as a powerful testament to divine alliance, God as the source of *shalom*, the sanctity of worship, and the importance of generational faithfulness in service to the Lord. His example reminds us of the sacredness of God's presence and the privilege of serving Him in an ordered and dedicated manner.
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