### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shêshân**, represented by `{{H8348}}`, identifies an Israelite man whose name means "lily." This name appears **5 times** across **3 unique verses**, exclusively within the genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles. While brief, his story provides a unique look into ancient Israelite customs regarding lineage and inheritance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The narrative surrounding `{{H8348}}` is focused on the continuation of his family line. The genealogy first establishes his place as the son of Ishi [[1 Chronicles 2:31]]. A critical detail is then provided: "Now **Sheshan** had no sons, but daughters" [[1 Chronicles 2:34]]. In a significant move to preserve his heritage, **Sheshan** had a servant `{{H5650}}`, an Egyptian `{{H4713}}` named Jarha `{{H3398}}`. To solve the problem of having no male heir, **Sheshan** gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to be his wife, and she bore a son named Attai [[1 Chronicles 2:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the account of Sheshan:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên**: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name). The entire narrative is driven by the fact that Sheshan "had no **sons**" [[1 Chronicles 2:34]], threatening the continuation of his family name.
* `{{H1323}}` **bath**: from בָּנָה (as feminine of בֵּן); a daughter. While Sheshan lacked sons, he had **daughters**, and one of them became the key to perpetuating his line through her marriage [[1 Chronicles 2:35]].
* `{{H5650}}` **ʻebed**: from עָבַד; a servant. This defines the station of Jarha, who was Sheshan's **servant** before being elevated to the status of son-in-law [[1 Chronicles 2:35]].
* `{{H3398}}` **Yarchâʻ**: probably of Egyptian origin; Jarcha, an Egyptian. This is the proper name of the servant who was integrated into Sheshan's family, becoming the father of his heir, Attai [[1 Chronicles 2:35]].
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan**: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application. This verb describes Sheshan's action: he **gave** his daughter to Jarha, a decisive act that secured his family's future [[1 Chronicles 2:35]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H8348}}` lies in its practical illustration of legal and social principles within Israel.
* **Continuity of Lineage:** The story is a clear example of the immense importance placed on preserving a family line. Sheshan's solution demonstrates a practical way to ensure a "name" was not cut off in Israel.
* **Inclusion of Foreigners:** The account shows an Egyptian `{{H4713}}` servant being brought into the lineage of Judah. Jarha is not only accepted but becomes the means by which the line continues, demonstrating a path for a non-Israelite to be integrated into the family.
* **Atypical Inheritance:** Faced with a lack of male heirs, Sheshan deviates from the standard patriarchal line of succession. His actions show that a daughter could, through a sanctioned marriage, carry the family inheritance forward to her son.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8348}}` represents more than just a name in a list. The story of **Sheshan** is a concise and powerful narrative embedded within a genealogy. It reveals the cultural priority of preserving lineage, providing a fascinating case study of how a family without sons could creatively and legitimately ensure its continuation through a daughter and the integration of a foreign servant into the Israelite community.
TRV