The Hebrew word Salmay, represented by H8014, is a proper name meaning clothed. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. The name identifies a specific Israelite, Shalmai, whose descendants are recorded in the post-exilic census.
The single appearance of H8014 is in a genealogical list within the book of Nehemiah. The text records "The children of Shalmai" as one of the families that returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile Nehemiah 7:48. In this context, Shalmai is identified as the patriarch or ancestor of a specific family group, whose lineage was significant enough to be included in the official record of the restored community.
Several related words appear alongside H8014, establishing its context within a genealogical record:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word, translated as "children," is repeated in the passage to establish the lineage of each family returning from exile, including those of Shalmai Nehemiah 7:48. It is fundamental to tracking ancestry and community identity.
- H3838 Lᵉbânâʼ (Lebana or Lebanah, one of the Nethinim): The "children of Lebana" are listed immediately before the children of Shalmai, indicating they were part of the same group of returning families Nehemiah 7:48.
- H2286 Chăgâbâʼ (Chagaba or Chagabah, one of the Nethinim): The "children of Hagaba" are also listed in the same verse, placing the family of Shalmai within a specific sequence in the census of the restored Israelite population Nehemiah 7:48.
The theological significance of H8014 is derived entirely from its inclusion in the Nehemiah census.
- Covenant Preservation: The meticulous listing of families, including the descendants of Shalmai, demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through the trial of exile.
- Community Identity: Naming the "children of Shalmai" was crucial for re-establishing the social and religious structure of Jerusalem. It affirmed that this family had a legitimate place within the restored nation of Israel.
- Historical Record: The name serves as a historical marker, anchoring the biblical narrative in a specific, documented lineage that was part of a major event in Israel's history.
In summary, H8014 is the proper name Shalmai, identifying an ancestor whose family was part of the return from exile. While it appears only once, its presence in the lists of Nehemiah is significant. It underscores the importance of lineage, identity, and the historical documentation of God's faithfulness in restoring His people to their land as a cohesive community.
TRV