The Hebrew word Shilchîy, represented by H7977, is an Israelite proper name, Shilhi. The base definition is missive, i.e. armed. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively as a personal name within a genealogical record.
In the biblical narrative, H7977 is used to identify the maternal grandfather of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Both occurrences are found in identical phrases that establish the king's lineage through his mother. The text specifies that Jehoshaphat's mother was "Azubah the daughter of Shilhi" in both 1 Kings 22:42 and 2 Chronicles 20:31, cementing this individual's role within the royal family history.
The context of H7977 is defined by its relationship to two key familial terms:
- H1323 bath (daughter): This word, defined as a daughter, is used to establish the direct relationship between Azubah and her father, Shilhi 1 Kings 22:42. It is used both literally for family members and figuratively, as in the "daughter of Zion" Isaiah 62:11.
- H517 ʼêm (mother): This primitive word for a mother is used to identify Azubah as the mother of King Jehoshaphat 2 Chronicles 20:31. The term is fundamental to family structure, as seen in the command to "Honour thy father and thy mother" Exodus 20:12.
The significance of H7977 is primarily genealogical, highlighting the Bible's emphasis on lineage and identity.
- Royal Lineage: The specific mention of Shilhi is crucial for documenting the maternal ancestry of King Jehoshaphat, a prominent ruler of Judah. This detail provides a more complete picture of the king's family background 1 Kings 22:42.
- Historical Specificity: By providing the name of the king's maternal grandfather, the biblical account grounds the narrative in a verifiable family history, adding a layer of historical credibility.
- Maternal Importance: While paternal lines are frequently the focus, the record of Azubah and her father Shilhi demonstrates the recognized importance of the maternal line in establishing the identity of a Judean king 2 Chronicles 20:31.
In summary, H7977 is the proper name Shilhi, whose sole function in scripture is to identify an ancestor of King Jehoshaphat. While the name itself is rare, its presence in the royal chronicles of Judah underscores the value placed on detailed genealogical records. It serves as a reminder that the larger narratives of the Bible are built upon the specific histories of individuals and families.
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