The Hebrew name Shûwthelach, represented by H7803, refers to two distinct Israelite individuals within the tribe of Ephraim. Its meaning is "crash of breakage." The name appears 4 times in 4 unique verses, primarily within genealogical lists that establish the lineage and families of Ephraim.
The name Shuthelah is used to trace a key lineage within the tribe of Ephraim. The first individual named Shuthelah is identified as a son of Ephraim 1 Chronicles 7:20 and the progenitor of the family of the Shuthalhites H8364 Numbers 26:35. This establishes his role as a clan founder. A descendant, also named Shuthelah, is mentioned in a tragic account where he, his father Zabad, and his brothers were slain by the men of Gath 1 Chronicles 7:21. This event occurred because they came down to take away the cattle of the men of Gath.
Several related words help clarify the context and lineage of Shuthelah:
- H669 ʼEphrayim (double fruit; Ephrajim): Shuthelah is consistently listed as one of the sons of Ephraim, making him a direct descendant of Joseph and the head of a major family within that tribe Numbers 26:35.
- H8364 Shuthalchîy (a Shuthalchite (collectively) or descendants of Shuthelach): This is the patronymic name for the family founded by Shuthelah. The census in Numbers lists the family of the Shuthalhites as a distinct clan Numbers 26:35.
- H6197 ʻÊrân (watchful; Eran): Identified as the son of the first Shuthelah, Eran continued the lineage by founding the family of the Eranites H6198 Numbers 26:36.
- H2026 hârag (to smite with deadly intent): This verb describes the fate of the second Shuthelah and his kinsmen, who were slain by the men of Gath 1 Chronicles 7:21.
- H2066 Zâbâd (giver; Zabad): The father of the second Shuthelah. The account in 1 Chronicles lists Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, detailing the genealogy that led to the confrontation with the men of Gath 1 Chronicles 7:21.
The narrative importance of H7803 is tied to the history and structure of the tribe of Ephraim.
- Genealogical Foundation: The name is crucial for mapping the tribe of Ephraim. The first Shuthelah is the head of one of the three primary families of Ephraim listed in the census, alongside Becher and Tahan Numbers 26:35.
- Family Proliferation: The account demonstrates how patriarchal lines were recorded and how they formed distinct family units. The descendants of Shuthelah are noted as the Shuthalhites, and his son Eran is the head of the Eranites, showing generational expansion Numbers 26:36.
- Historical Conflict: The record of the second Shuthelah provides a specific historical account of inter-tribal conflict. His death, along with his brothers, at the hands of the men of Gath over cattle illustrates the real-world dangers faced by the Israelites in that land 1 Chronicles 7:21.
In summary, H7803 is more than just a name in a list; it represents both the continuity and the perils of a prominent family in the tribe of Ephraim. The first Shuthelah is a foundational figure whose descendants are formally counted among the families of Israel. The second serves as a memorial to a violent historical event, preserving the story of a fatal conflict over possessions within the genealogical record itself.
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