The Hebrew name Shekem, represented by H7928, is defined as the name of a Hivite and two Israelites. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The name is used to identify specific individuals within the lineage of Israel, particularly within the tribe of Manasseh.
In the biblical narrative, H7928 is consistently used to identify an individual within genealogical records. In Joshua, Shechem is named among the male children of Manasseh, whose descendants received a lot of land by their families Joshua 17:2. A census in Numbers establishes the direct lineage from the individual, identifying "the family of the Shechemites" as descending from Shechem Numbers 26:31. Lastly, in Chronicles, Shechem is listed as one of the sons of Shemida 1 Chronicles 7:19, further cementing his identity within the ancestral records of Israel.
Several related words clarify the context of Shekem's identity within kinship structures:
- H7930 Shikmîy (Shichemites): This is a patronymic term derived directly from Shekem, used to denote his collective descendants. It appears in the phrase "the family of the Shechemites" Numbers 26:31.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family, kind-red): This word defines the family, clan, or tribe. It is used to situate Shechem within the "children of Manasseh by their families" Joshua 17:2 and to designate the clan that descended from him Numbers 26:31.
The use of H7928 highlights key principles within the structure of ancient Israel:
- Genealogical Identity: The name Shekem is recorded in official censuses and genealogies, underscoring the importance of lineage in establishing one's place within the tribes of Israel (Numbers 26:31, 1 Chronicles 7:19).
- Inheritance and Allotment: Shechem is listed among the children of Manasseh who received a lot for their families Joshua 17:2. This directly links an individual's identity to the division of the promised land.
- Formation of Clans: The connection between Shekem H7928 the individual and the Shechemites H7930 the family group illustrates the foundational role of patriarchs in the formation of clans, or mishpâchâh H4940, which constituted the nation.
In summary, H7928 Shekem functions as a proper name within the Old Testament, identifying a specific Israelite ancestor. While its use is limited, it is significant in its context, appearing exclusively in genealogical lists that are crucial for understanding Israel's tribal structure. The name illustrates the process by which an individual becomes the patriarch of a family line (the Shechemites) and how that lineage is tied to the inheritance of land as part of the covenant people.
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