Lexical Summary Calluw: Completion, end, destruction Original Word: סַלּוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sallai, Sallu, Salu Or Calluw; {sal-loo'}; or Caluw {sal-loo'}; or Callay {sal-lah'-ee}; from calah; weighed; Sallu or Sallai, the name of two Israelites -- Sallai, Sallu, Salu. see HEBREW calah Brown-Driver-Briggs סַלּוּ proper name, masculine a priest, Zerubbabel's time, according to Nehemiah 12:7 (ᵐ5L Σαλονια), = סַלַּי Nehemiah 12:20 ᵐ5L Σαλοναι; omitted by BA in both). סָלוא proper name, masculine a Simeonite Numbers 25:14, ᵐ5 Σαλμων, A Σαλω, ᵐ5L Σαλωμ. סַלּוּא proper name, masculine a post-exile Benjamite 1 Chronicles 9:7 (ᵐ5 Σαλωμ, A Σαλω) = סַלֻּא Nehemiah 11:7 (ᵐ5 Σηλω, ᵐ5L Σαμαα). סַלַּי proper name, masculine 1. Nehemiah 12:20 = סַלּוּ q. v. 2 סַלָּ֑י a Benjamite Nehemiah 11:8, ᵐ5 Σηλε(ε)ι. Topical Lexicon Sallu (Strong’s Hebrew 5543)Historical Span of the Name The name Sallu is scattered across Israel’s account from the wilderness generation (Numbers) to the post-exilic community rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah. Its holders appear in three distinct contexts: (1) a Simeonite house involved in the sin at Peor, (2) Benjamite families counted in the chronicler’s register and Jerusalem’s resettlement list, and (3) a priestly house that served in the restored temple. The Simeonite Sallu and the Sin at Peor Numbers 25:14 introduces “Zimri son of Salu, the leader of a Simeonite family.” The verse highlights how high-ranking lineage did not shield Israel from judgment when covenant boundaries were crossed. That tragedy underscores the seriousness with which God regards both leadership and holiness in His people. Although Salu himself is not charged with wrongdoing, the death of his son serves as a sober reminder that family prestige offers no exemption from divine discipline. Benjamite Sallu and the Continuity of the Remnant 1 Chronicles 9:7 and Nehemiah 11:7–8 name a Sallu among the sons of Benjamin who returned from exile to dwell in Jerusalem: • “from the Benjamites: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah” (1 Chronicles 9:7). The Chronicler emphasizes that the restored community was not merely Judah and Levi; Benjamin also supplied valiant men to maintain the city’s population and defense. The mention of Sallu’s extended genealogy affirms God’s faithfulness to preserve tribal identities despite the exile’s disruptions, thereby keeping covenant promises alive. Priestly House of Sallu and Worship in the Second Temple Nehemiah 12 lists Sallu twice among priestly leaders who served in the days of Jeshua and Joiakim: • “Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah” (Nehemiah 12:7). Their inclusion attests that the priesthood, though reduced in numbers, remained structured and traceable. The priests of Sallu’s house stood shoulder to shoulder with more familiar names such as Hilkiah, ensuring that daily offerings, feasts, and the reading of the Law continued according to the divine pattern. In an age when lineage was critical for temple service (Ezra 2:62), the lineage of Sallu validated the legitimacy of his descendants’ ministry. Interweaving of Tribal and Priestly Lines The appearance of Sallu in both Benjamite and priestly records may reflect separate individuals bearing the same name rather than one man with dual roles. Yet together they illustrate how God employs multiple tribes in rebuilding His worshiping community: Benjamin includes gatekeepers and city guards; Levi supplies temple musicians and priests; Judah provides political leadership. The recurrence of the name across these spheres quietly affirms the unity of purpose binding all segments of Israel’s restored remnant. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. Leadership Accountability: The catastrophe at Peor shows that even leaders’ families are subject to God’s righteous standard. Modern ministry cannot presume immunity from discipline on account of position or heritage. Summary Though briefly mentioned, the several individuals named Sallu mark decisive moments: judgment in the wilderness, the resettlement of Jerusalem, and the organization of temple worship. Each occurrence contributes to Scripture’s testimony that God judges sin, preserves a remnant, and re-establishes true worship—purposes ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah and perpetuated in His church. Forms and Transliterations לְסַלַּ֥י לסלי סַלָּ֑י סַלֻּ֡א סַלּ֣וּ סַלּוּא֙ סָל֑וּא סלא סלו סלוא סלי lə·sal·lay lesalLai ləsallay sā·lū sal·lāy sal·lu sal·lū salLai sallāy sallu sallū saLu sālūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 25:14 HEB: זִמְרִ֖י בֶּן־ סָל֑וּא נְשִׂ֥יא בֵֽית־ NAS: the son of Salu, a leader KJV: the son of Salu, a prince INT: was Zimri the son of Salu A leader household 1 Chronicles 9:7 Nehemiah 11:7 Nehemiah 11:8 Nehemiah 12:7 Nehemiah 12:20 6 Occurrences |
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