Shelomith is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Leviticus. She is noted as the mother of a man who committed the grave sin of blasphemy, an act that led to a significant legal and moral precedent in the Israelite community.

Biblical Reference:

The account of Shelomith and her son is found in Leviticus 24:10-23. The passage describes an incident where the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian father blasphemed the Name of the LORD during a fight with an Israelite man. The text states:

"Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.)" (Leviticus 24:10-11).

Genealogical Context:

Shelomith is identified as the daughter of Dibri, from the tribe of Dan. This tribal affiliation is significant, as it situates her within the broader narrative of the Israelite tribes and their journey through the wilderness. The mention of her Egyptian husband highlights the presence of mixed marriages during the Exodus period, reflecting the diverse composition of the Israelite community.

Theological Implications:

The incident involving Shelomith's son underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites regarded the sanctity of God's Name. The blasphemy led to a divine directive communicated through Moses, establishing the punishment for such an offense. The LORD instructed Moses to have the blasphemer brought outside the camp, where the community was to lay hands on him, and then stone him to death. This severe punishment served as a deterrent and reinforced the holiness of God's Name among the people.

The narrative also illustrates the communal responsibility in upholding God's laws. The entire assembly was involved in carrying out the sentence, emphasizing the collective commitment to maintaining the covenantal relationship with God.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Shelomith's account occurs during the Israelites' wilderness period, a formative time when they were receiving and implementing God's laws. The incident reflects the challenges faced by a nascent nation striving to establish a distinct identity and moral code in accordance with divine commandments.

The presence of an Egyptian father in the narrative highlights the complex social dynamics within the Israelite camp. It suggests the integration of non-Israelites into the community, which brought both opportunities for enrichment and challenges in maintaining religious and cultural purity.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

From a moral standpoint, the account of Shelomith and her son serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disregarding the sacred. It underscores the importance of reverence for God and the weight of words, particularly those that invoke the divine. The narrative invites reflection on the power of speech and the responsibility of individuals and communities to honor God in all aspects of life.

In summary, Shelomith's brief mention in the Bible provides a window into the legal, cultural, and spiritual life of ancient Israel. Her account, though centered on a tragic event, offers enduring lessons on the reverence due to God's Name and the communal nature of faithfulness to His commandments.Leviticus 24:11
And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed. And they brought him to Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)
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