### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word שִׁלְשָׁה (Shilshâh, `{{H8030}}`) is a feminine proper noun derived from the same root as שֶׁלֶשׁ (shelesh), which relates to the concept of "three" or "triplication." Its base meaning, therefore, points to "thirdness" or "a third part." As a personal name, it likely signifies a "third-born" child, or perhaps an individual whose birth or identity was associated with the number three in some significant way within their family or lineage. Unlike many Hebrew proper nouns that carry a direct descriptive or theological meaning about the person, Shilshah's primary significance lies in its numerical derivation, indicating order or sequence within a family structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Shilshah (שִׁלְשָׁה, `{{H8030}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible. It is found in the genealogical records of the tribe of Asher:
* [[1 Chronicles 7:37]]: "The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara. The sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia. All these were the sons of Asher, heads of their fathers’ houses, choice men, mighty men of valor, chief of the princes. And the number of those listed by genealogy for service in the army was twenty-six thousand men."
In this sole occurrence, Shilshah is listed as one of the sons of Zophah, who was a son of Heber, a son of Beriah, a son of Asher. The context is purely genealogical, serving to meticulously trace the lineage of the tribes of Israel. This single mention highlights the importance of precise record-keeping in ancient Israel, particularly concerning tribal identity and the allocation of land and responsibilities. The name itself provides no further narrative or theological insight beyond its presence within this extensive family tree.
### Related Words & Concepts
The numerical root of Shilshah (שִׁלְשָׁה, `{{H8030}}`) connects it to a broader family of Hebrew words related to the number "three" and its derivatives. These include:
* שָׁלֹשׁ (shâlôsh, `{{H7969}}`): The cardinal number "three." This is the most direct conceptual link, signifying the base numerical value.
* שָׁלִישׁ (shâlîsh, `{{H7991}}`): Meaning "a third part," or often, a "captain" or "officer," perhaps derived from being one of three chief officers, or a third-rank official.
* שְׁלִישִׁי (shâlîshî, `{{H7992}}`): The ordinal number "third."
* שֶׁלֶשׁ (shelesh): Though not a Strong's number, it is the base noun from which Shilshah is derived, meaning "a third part" or "triplication."
The number three holds significant symbolic weight throughout the biblical narrative, often representing completeness, divine emphasis, or a pattern of divine action. While Shilshah itself does not directly participate in this symbolism, its etymology draws it into this rich semantic field.
### Theological Significance
The direct theological significance of the proper noun Shilshah (שִׁלְשָׁה, `{{H8030}}`) is minimal, given its singular appearance in a genealogical list. It does not refer to God, a theological concept, or a pivotal event. However, its inclusion in the inspired text, even as a seemingly minor detail, underscores several broader theological principles:
1. **Divine Order and Precision:** The meticulous recording of genealogies, including seemingly obscure names like Shilshah, demonstrates God's attention to detail and His orderly nature. It reflects His sovereign hand in orchestrating human history and preserving the lineage through which His redemptive plan unfolds.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The preservation of tribal records was crucial for maintaining the covenant promises made to Abraham regarding land and posterity. Each name, including Shilshah, represents a link in the chain of God's faithfulness to His people across generations.
3. **Symbolism of "Three":** While Shilshah itself is not symbolic, its etymological connection to "three" invites reflection on the frequent biblical use of this number to denote completeness, divine activity, or emphasis (e.g., the three-fold call of Isaiah, the three days of Jonah in the fish, the three days before Christ's resurrection). The very existence of a name derived from "three" subtly points to the pervasive nature of this numerical concept within the Hebrew worldview.
### Summary
Shilshah (שִׁלְשָׁה, `{{H8030}}`) is a proper noun, appearing uniquely in [[1 Chronicles 7:37]] as an individual from the tribe of Asher. Etymologically, it is derived from a root meaning "three" or "triplication," likely signifying a "third-born" or someone associated with the number three. While the name itself does not carry direct theological weight or narrative significance, its presence in the biblical genealogies highlights God's meticulous order, His faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His covenant people, and indirectly connects to the broader biblical symbolism of the number "three" as representing completeness and divine purpose.
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