The Hebrew word Salmâh, represented by H8009, is a proper name identifying an Israelite male, also rendered as Salmon. According to its base definition, the word is also related to the term for clothing. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text.
The single appearance of H8009 occurs within a genealogical listing in the book of Ruth. Its purpose is to establish a direct ancestral link. The verse states, "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon" Ruth 4:20. In this context, Salmâh is presented as the son of Nahshon and the grandson of Amminadab, securing his place within an important lineage.
The identity of H8009 is clarified by its relationship to other names and terms within its single verse of occurrence:
- H3205 yâlad: This root word, meaning to beget, is the verb that establishes the father-son relationship between the individuals listed in the genealogy Ruth 4:20.
- H5177 Nachshôwn: The father of Salmâh, this man was a prominent Israelite leader described as the "prince of the children of Judah" 1 Chronicles 2:10.
- H5992 ʻAmmîynâdâb: The grandfather of Salmâh and father of Nachshon, further establishing the patriarchal line within the tribe of Judah Numbers 1:7.
The significance of H8009 is tied entirely to its role in biblical genealogy.
- Ancestral Link: The name serves as a crucial link in the recorded ancestry of the tribe of Judah, connecting the generation of Nahshon, a leader during the Exodus, to subsequent generations.
- Genealogical Integrity: Its inclusion in the lineage found in Ruth is vital for demonstrating an unbroken family line. The name's presence, though singular, is essential for the integrity of that specific record.
- Tribal Placement: Through his father Nachshon and grandfather Amminadab, Salmâh is firmly placed within the lineage of Judah, which held a position of prominence among the tribes of Israel Numbers 2:3.
In summary, while H8009 Salmâh is one of the rarest names in the scripture, its importance is not in its frequency but in its function. Its sole mention provides a key piece of information, cementing a specific person into the genealogical record of the tribe of Judah and ensuring the continuity of the biblical narrative of ancestry.
TRV