The Hebrew word Çallûw, represented by H5543, is a proper name for two Israelites meaning weighed. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses. Though not a common name, its occurrences are tied to significant moments and genealogical records, particularly concerning the tribes of Simeon and Benjamin and the post-exilic priesthood.
The name Çallûw appears in several distinct contexts. The first is as the father of Zimri, a prince H5387 of the Simeonites who was slain H5221 for his sin with a Midianitish woman Numbers 25:14. The name also identifies an important Benjamite whose lineage is recorded among those who resettled Jerusalem after the exile (1 Chronicles 9:7, Nehemiah 11:7). Finally, an individual named Sallu or Sallai is listed as one of the chief H7218 of the priests H3548 who returned with Jeshua Nehemiah 12:7.
Several related words help establish the identity and role of the individuals named Çallûw:
- H1121 bên (son): This word is used repeatedly to trace the genealogies of Çallûw, establishing his lineage within the tribe of Benjamin through figures like Meshullam H4918 and Hodaviah H1938 1 Chronicles 9:7.
- H1144 Binyâmîyn (Benjamin): This identifies the tribal affiliation for the Çallûw mentioned in the post-exilic census lists, connecting him to the prominent tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 9:7, Nehemiah 11:7).
- H3548 kôhên (priest): One of the men, named Sallu, is identified as a leader among the priests H3548, highlighting his role in the restored worship system in Jerusalem Nehemiah 12:7.
The name Çallûw is associated with several key biblical themes, primarily through the lives of the individuals who bore it.
- Genealogical Identity: The name is a key marker in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles and Nehemiah, which were vital for re-establishing tribal identity and order after the Babylonian exile. The record of Sallu H5543 solidifies the presence of the tribe of Benjamin H1144 in the restored community Nehemiah 11:7.
- Leadership and Authority: The individuals named Sallu or their immediate descendants held positions of authority. One was the father of a prince H5387 among the Simeonites Numbers 25:14, while another was a chief H7218 among the returning priests H3548 Nehemiah 12:7.
- Divine Accountability: The first appearance of the name is linked to a narrative of sin and immediate judgment. Salu's son, Zimri, a leader in Israel, was publicly slain H5221 for his transgression, demonstrating that leadership does not provide exemption from accountability Numbers 25:14.
In summary, H5543 Çallûw is more than a simple name. It serves as a genealogical anchor, connecting post-exilic families to their tribal roots and identifying key figures in Israel's leadership, both secular and priestly. The name is also tied to a stark reminder of divine judgment, illustrating that position and lineage come with significant responsibility. Through these contexts, the name contributes to the broader biblical themes of heritage, leadership, and accountability.
TRV