The Hebrew name Shᵉlômîyth, represented by H8019, is derived from a word meaning peaceableness. It appears 8 times in 8 unique verses and is used as a personal name for both men and women, identifying five Israelite men and three Israelite women in the biblical record.
In the biblical narrative, H8019 is used to identify distinct individuals across different eras of Israel's history. It appears as the name of a woman from the tribe of Dan whose son was brought before Moses Leviticus 24:11, as the sister of Zerubbabel's sons 1 Chronicles 3:19, and as a son of King Rehoboam 2 Chronicles 11:20. The name is also prominent among the Levites, designating Shelomith as "the chief" of the sons of Izhar 1 Chronicles 23:18 and another Shelomith who, with his brethren, was responsible for the dedicated treasures 1 Chronicles 26:28. Additionally, the name identifies the head of a family that returned from exile with Ezra Ezra 8:10.
Several related words help contextualize the roles and relationships of individuals named Shelomith:
- H8013 Shᵉlômôwth: This is a closely related form of the name, sometimes used interchangeably in genealogical lists to identify Levitical figures (1 Chronicles 23:9, 1 Chronicles 26:25).
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is essential for defining the lineage of most individuals named Shelomith, who are identified as a son of a king, a patriarch, or a Levitical leader (1 Chronicles 26:25, Ezra 8:10).
- H251 ʼâch (a brother): This term highlights the communal and familial role of Shelomith as a Levite working alongside his brethren in administrative duties 1 Chronicles 26:28.
- H269 ʼâchôwth (a sister): This defines the familial identity of Shelomith in the line of Zerubbabel, where she is explicitly named as "their sister" 1 Chronicles 3:19.
- H7218 rôʼsh (the head, chief): This word describes the status of two different Levites named Shelomith, establishing them as leaders or the chief of their ancestral houses (1 Chronicles 23:9, 1 Chronicles 23:18).
The narrative significance of H8019 is tied to its function as a marker of identity and role within Israel's community.
- Genealogical Marker: The name Shelomith helps establish specific lineages, whether within a tribe like Dan Leviticus 24:11, the royal line of Judah 2 Chronicles 11:20, or the post-exilic community Ezra 8:10.
- Levitical Administration: The name is repeatedly associated with leadership and responsibility among the Levites. Individuals named Shelomith are listed as a chief 1 Chronicles 23:18 and as an overseer of dedicated things 1 Chronicles 26:28, highlighting their role in the religious and civil administration of Israel.
- Familial Connection: Whether identified as a son, sister, or one among brethren, the name consistently places individuals within a clear family structure, emphasizing the importance of kinship in biblical records.
In summary, H8019 is a specific personal name that, while not widespread, is used to identify key individuals in the scriptural account. It functions primarily to pinpoint people within genealogical, royal, and Levitical records. Through its association with both men and women, leaders and family members, Shᵉlômîyth serves as a vital identifier for figures from the Mosaic era to the restoration of Israel after the exile.
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