The Hebrew word Shilônîy, represented by H8023, is the name of an Israelite. The name serves to identify a specific individual within a recorded genealogy. Its base definition is the same as Shiloni.
The single appearance of Shilônîy is in a genealogical list in the book of Nehemiah. It is mentioned as the ancestor of a man named Maaseiah, one of the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the return from exile. The verse establishes a direct family line, listing Shiloni as the final patriarch in a long chain of ancestors for Maaseiah Nehemiah 11:5. Its role is strictly to provide historical and ancestral context for a prominent individual within the restored community.
The theological importance of Shilônîy is found not in the name itself, but in its genealogical function.
- Covenantal Faithfulness: Its inclusion in the Nehemiah genealogy is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His people through the period of exile and into the restoration of Jerusalem.
- Historical Foundation: Shiloni serves as a historical anchor for the family of Maaseiah, validating his identity and role within the re-established community Nehemiah 11:5. Such records were vital for maintaining social and religious order.
- Ancestral Link: The name acts as a link in the generational chain, highlighting the biblical emphasis on heritage and the continuity of God's people throughout history.
In summary, H8023 Shilônîy is a proper name whose significance is tied entirely to its singular appearance in a biblical genealogy. It serves as the foundational patriarch for a specific family line documented in the post-exilic period. While mentioned only once, it illustrates the profound importance the biblical authors placed on ancestry and historical continuity as a means of affirming the identity and structure of God's covenant community.
