### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shallûwm**, represented by `{{H7967}}`, is a personal name used for at least fourteen different Israelites. It appears **27 times** across **26 unique verses** in the Bible. While the base definition simply identifies it as a name, the individuals who bear it hold diverse and significant roles within the biblical narrative, from kings and priests to temple servants and officials.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H7967}}` is associated with several key figures. One was Shallum the son of Jabesh, who **conspired** `{{H7194}}` against the king of Israel, **smote** `{{H5221}}` him, and then **reigned** `{{H4427}}` for only a month in Samaria before being killed himself ([[2 Kings 15:10]], [[2 Kings 15:13-14]]). In stark contrast, another Shallum was a chief **porter** `{{H7778}}` from a Korahite family, serving as a **keeper** `{{H8104}}` of the gates of the tabernacle [[1 Chronicles 9:17-19]]. Other individuals named Shallum include the husband of Huldah the prophetess [[2 Kings 22:14]], a **ruler** `{{H8269}}` who helped repair the wall of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:12]], and the fourth son of King Josiah [[1 Chronicles 3:15]], who also **reigned** `{{H4427}}` as king of Judah [[Jeremiah 22:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the contexts in which individuals named Shallum appear:
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This word is central to the stories of two different kings named Shallum. One seized power through a conspiracy and **reigned** for a month [[2 Kings 15:13]], while the other, the son of Josiah, **reigned** in his father's place [[Jeremiah 22:11]].
* `{{H7778}}` **shôwʻêr** (doorkeeper, porter): This title is explicitly given to Shallum the Korahite and his descendants, defining their sacred role in the temple ([[1 Chronicles 9:17]], [[Ezra 2:42]], [[Ezra 10:24]]). It highlights a function of dedicated service.
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (to guard, keep): This verb describes the duties of multiple Shallums, including the **keeper** of the door at the house of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Jeremiah 35:4]] and the **keeper** of the royal wardrobe [[2 Kings 22:14]], signifying positions of great trust.
* `{{H7194}}` **qâshar** (to conspire): This term defines the treacherous act of Shallum son of Jabesh, who made a **conspiracy** [[2 Kings 15:15]] to seize the throne, illustrating the political turmoil of the era.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7967}}` is seen through the lives of the men who carried the name.
* **Sovereignty and Judgment:** The violent, one-month reign of Shallum the usurper king serves as a powerful illustration of divine judgment on the corrupt monarchy of Israel. His swift rise and fall demonstrates that human schemes to **reign** `{{H4427}}` are subject to God's ultimate authority [[2 Kings 15:10-14]].
* **Faithful Service:** The Shallums who served as temple **porters** `{{H7778}}` and keepers embody the biblical value of humble, steadfast service. Their role in guarding the gates [[1 Chronicles 9:19]] and doors [[Jeremiah 35:4]] of the Lord's **house** `{{H1004}}` was essential for maintaining its holiness and order.
* **Genealogical Continuity:** The name appears frequently in priestly and tribal lineages, such as the priestly line of Zadok ([[1 Chronicles 6:12-13]], [[Ezra 7:2]]) and the tribe of Naphtali [[1 Chronicles 7:13]]. This highlights the importance of ancestry in the outworking of God's covenant promises.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7967}}` is a name that connects to a wide spectrum of Israelite life and history. It is borne by a treacherous king who conspired to take power, but also by faithful temple servants entrusted with guarding sacred space. The various individuals named Shallum appear in accounts of political upheaval, national restoration, and dedicated religious service, collectively showing how different lives can intersect with the purposes of **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}`, whether in rebellion or in faithful duty.
TRV