Lexical Summary Chamul: Chamul Original Word: חָמוּל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hamul From chamal; pitied; Chamul, an Israelite -- Hamul. see HEBREW chamal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chamal Definition "spared," grandson of Judah NASB Translation Hamul (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs חָמוּל proper name, masculine (spared); — grandson of Judah Genesis 46:12 = 1 Chronicles 2:5; Numbers 26:1; ᵐ5 Ιεμουηλ, [Ι]αμουηλ. Topical Lexicon Hamul (Strong’s Hebrew 2538, חָמוּל)Biblical Setting Hamul appears within the family lists that trace the line of Judah, first among the seventy persons who went down to Egypt with Jacob. Genesis 46:12 records, “The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.” Thus, Hamul is introduced in the same breath as the patriarchs whose lives shaped the early narrative of redemption history. His presence in Egypt places him at the fountainhead of Israel’s sojourn there—an experience that forged the national identity later revealed at Sinai. Occurrences and Literary Function 1. Genesis 46:12 situates Hamul in Jacob’s household tally, underscoring that God’s covenant family was preserved (“spared”) through famine by Joseph’s provision in Egypt. These three terse references serve a literary purpose greater than their brevity might suggest. They testify to continuity between patriarchal promises and later national realities, anchoring later generations in tangible ancestral roots. Genealogical Importance Hamul is the grandson of Judah through Perez, making him a pivotal link in the royal and Messianic genealogy. Although Hezron is the ancestor named directly in the lineage leading to David (Ruth 4:18–22) and, by extension, to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3), the mention of Hamul establishes a second surviving branch of Perez. The twofold listing—Hezron and Hamul—emphasizes divine fruitfulness (two sons) from a lineage threatened by sin (Judah’s earlier failings) and famine. The existence of both branches bears witness to the divine promise that Judah’s line would not be cut off (Genesis 49:10). Role in the Exodus Generation In Numbers 26:21 Hamul lends his name to the “Hamulite” clan. The wilderness census distinguished between those counted in the earlier generation that fell in the desert and those destined to enter Canaan. The survival of the Hamulites into the second census affirms God’s faithfulness to multiply Judah’s offspring despite judgment on unbelief. It also demonstrates that every clan, including the lesser-known Hamulites, was allotted inheritance in Canaan (Joshua 15), foreshadowing the individual and corporate standing believers possess in Christ (Ephesians 1:11). Theological and Messianic Significance The root of Hamul’s name reflects the concept of being “spared” or “shown compassion.” His genealogy is enfolded in narratives where divine mercy stands out: • Jacob’s family is “spared” from famine in Egypt. Thus Hamul’s name quietly echoes a redemptive motif: God’s compassion preserves a remnant, through which He will bring forth His ultimate salvation. Though Hamul himself is not a principal actor, his lineage participates in the covenant trajectory culminating in Jesus Christ, the greater Son of Judah who embodies divine compassion toward sinners. Historical and Ministry Insights Genealogies often appear mundane, yet Scripture treats them as vital. Pastors and teachers can draw several ministry lessons from Hamul’s inclusion: 1. God values every individual in His covenant family; even seemingly obscure lives are recorded in His book (Malachi 3:16; Revelation 20:12). Spiritual Reflections Hamul’s testimony is silent, yet his name urges reflection on the gracious sparing of lives for God’s purposes. As Jacob’s house descended into Egypt, God preserved them until redemption. Likewise, through Christ believers are “spared” from judgment and incorporated into a household whose names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Hamul’s unheralded place in Scripture therefore encourages the faithful who labor without earthly renown: every member, known or unknown, contributes to the unfolding account of salvation. Forms and Transliterations וְחָמֽוּל׃ וחמול׃ לְחָמ֕וּל לחמול lə·ḥā·mūl lechaMul ləḥāmūl vechaMul wə·ḥā·mūl wəḥāmūlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 46:12 HEB: פֶ֖רֶץ חֶצְר֥וֹן וְחָמֽוּל׃ NAS: of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. KJV: of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul. INT: of Perez were Hezron and Hamul Numbers 26:21 1 Chronicles 2:5 3 Occurrences |
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