The term "Shillemites" refers to the descendants of Shelemiah, a family mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Simeon. The name "Shillemites" is derived from the Hebrew root word "Shelomi," which means "peaceful" or "recompense." This family is noted in the context of the census of the Israelites as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 26:20-21 : "These were the descendants of Simeon by their clans: The Nemuelite clan from Nemuel, the Jaminite clan from Jamin, the Jakinite clan from Jakin, the Zerahite clan from Zerah, and the Shaulite clan from Shaul. These were the clans of Simeon, numbering 22,200 men."

While the Shillemites are not explicitly named in this passage, they are understood to be part of the broader genealogical context of the tribe of Simeon. The passage lists the clans of Simeon, and the Shillemites are traditionally associated with this tribe.

2. 1 Chronicles 4:24 : "The descendants of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul."

This verse provides a genealogical account of the tribe of Simeon, which includes the family line from which the Shillemites are believed to have descended. The Chronicles account serves to affirm the tribal affiliations and lineage of the Simeonites, including the Shillemites.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Shillemites, as part of the tribe of Simeon, were one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Simeon was known for its close association with the tribe of Judah, as their allotted territories were intertwined in the southern part of the Promised Land. This geographical proximity often led to shared cultural and religious practices between the two tribes.

The tribe of Simeon, including the Shillemites, played a role in the early history of Israel, particularly during the wilderness wanderings and the conquest of Canaan. However, over time, the distinct identity of the Simeonites, including the Shillemites, became less pronounced, as they were absorbed into the larger community of Judah.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Shillemites, like other clans within the tribes of Israel, represent the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. The genealogical records, including those mentioning the Shillemites, underscore the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

The Shillemites, as part of the Simeonite lineage, also remind readers of the complex history of the tribes of Israel, marked by both faithfulness and failure. The tribe of Simeon, including the Shillemites, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the patriarchs and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the nation of Israel.SHILLEM, SHILLEMITES

shil'-em, shil'-em-its (shillem, ha-shillemi): Shillem is found in Genesis 46:24, a son of Naphtali; Shillemites, his descendants, are mentioned in Numbers 26:49; SHALLUM (which see) is found in 1 Chronicles 7:13.

8016. Shillemi -- descendant of Shillem
... descendant of Shillem. Transliteration: Shillemi Phonetic Spelling: (shil-lay-mee')
Short Definition: Shillemites. ... of Shillem NASB Word Usage Shillemites (1). ...
/hebrew/8016.htm - 6kShillemites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHILLEM, SHILLEMITES. shil'-em, shil ... 13.
Multi-Version Concordance Shillemites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26 ...
/s/shillemites.htm - 7k

Shillem (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHILLEM, SHILLEMITES. ... Numbers 26:49 of Jezer, the
family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. ...
/s/shillem.htm - 7k

Shil'lemites (1 Occurrence)
Shil'lemites. Shillemites, Shil'lemites. Shilling . ... Numbers 26:49 of Jezer,
the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. (See RSV ...
/s/shil'lemites.htm - 6k

Shillemite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shillemite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:49 of Jezer, the
family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. ...
/s/shillemite.htm - 6k

Jezerites (1 Occurrence)
... Jezerites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:49 of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of
Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS). ...
/j/jezerites.htm - 6k

Jezerite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jezerite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:49 of Jezer, the family
of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. ...
/j/jezerite.htm - 6k

Je'zerites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Je'zerites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:49 of Jezer, the
family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. (See RSV). ...
/j/je'zerites.htm - 6k

Jezer (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 26:49 of Jezer, the family
of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. ...
/j/jezer.htm - 7k

Clan (96 Occurrences)
... Gunites; (See NIV). Numbers 26:49 of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of
Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. (See NIV). Numbers 26 ...
/c/clan.htm - 32k

What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org

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