Gamul is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the priestly divisions established by King David. The name "Gamul" is found in 1 Chronicles 24:17, where it is listed as one of the priestly families. The passage reads: "the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul" . This reference places Gamul within the framework of the 24 divisions of priests, which were organized to ensure a systematic and orderly service in the temple.

Priestly Divisions

The division of priests into 24 groups was instituted by King David, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 24. This system was designed to manage the duties of the priests in the temple, allowing for a rotation that ensured continuous worship and service. Each division was responsible for ministering in the temple for a specific period, typically one week at a time, twice a year. This organization reflects the importance of order and structure in the worship practices of ancient Israel.

Historical and Religious Context

The establishment of the priestly divisions was a significant development in the religious life of Israel. It underscored the centrality of the temple in Jerusalem as the focal point of worship and the importance of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people. The priests were descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and were tasked with performing sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and teaching the Law.

Gamul, as a head of one of these divisions, would have played a crucial role in the religious leadership of Israel. His division, like the others, would have been responsible for various temple duties, including offering sacrifices, burning incense, and leading the people in worship.

Etymology and Meaning

The name "Gamul" is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively known, it is often associated with the concept of "recompense" or "reward." This etymological insight may reflect the broader biblical theme of divine recompense, where God rewards faithfulness and obedience.

Legacy and Significance

Although Gamul is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the list of priestly divisions highlights the collective importance of the priesthood in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel. The division of priests, including Gamul's, ensured that the temple functioned smoothly and that the people of Israel had continual access to the means of grace provided through the sacrificial system.

The priestly divisions, as part of the broader Levitical system, also point to the foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priesthood. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the great High Priest who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the sacrificial system and providing eternal access to God for believers. Thus, while Gamul's role was specific to the Old Testament context, it is part of the larger narrative that culminates in the redemptive work of Christ.Gamul

a recompense

Gamul

(weaned), a priest, the leader of the twenty-second course in the service at the sanctuary. (1 Chronicles 24:17) (B.C. 535.)

Weaned the leader of one of the priestly courses (1 Chronicles 24:17). GAMUL

ga'-mul (gamul, "weaned"):

The head of the 22nd of the 24 courses of priests inaugurated by David (1 Chronicles 24:17).

1577. Gamul -- "weaned," a Levite
... 1576, 1577. Gamul. 1578 . "weaned," a Levite. Transliteration: Gamul
Phonetic Spelling: (gaw-mool') Short Definition: Gamul. Word ...
/hebrew/1577.htm - 6k

1014. Beth Gamul -- "place of recompense," a place in Moab
Beth Gamul. 1013, 1014. Beth Gamul. 1015 . "place of recompense," a
place in Moab. Transliteration: Beth Gamul Phonetic Spelling ...
/hebrew/1014.htm - 6k

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... tongue of the jonek' cleaves to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the olalim' ask
bread." A fourth designation represents the child as the "gamul," or "weaned ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

The Child-Life in Nazareth
... Yeled, the newborn babe, as in Isaiah 9:6; Yoneq, the suckling, Isaiah 11:8; Olel,
the suckling beginning to ask for food, Lamentations 4:4; Gamul, the weaned ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the child-life in.htm

Gamul (2 Occurrences)
...GAMUL. ga'-mul (gamul, "weaned"): The head of the 22nd of the 24 courses of priests
inaugurated by David (1 Chronicles 24:17). ...Gamul (2 Occurrences). ...
/g/gamul.htm - 7k

Beth-gamul (1 Occurrence)
Beth-gamul. Bethgamul, Beth-gamul. Beth-ga'mul . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Camel ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BETH-GAMUL. beth ...
/b/beth-gamul.htm - 7k

Bethgamul (1 Occurrence)
... BETH-GAMUL. beth-ga'-mul (beth gamul; oikos Gaimol; Codex Sinaiticus, Gamola): A
city in Moab named with Dibon, Kiriathaim and Beth-meon (Jeremiah 48:23). ...
/b/bethgamul.htm - 7k

Beth-ga'mul (1 Occurrence)
Beth-ga'mul. Beth-gamul, Beth-ga'mul. Bethgilgal . ... Beth-ga'mul (1 Occurrence).
Jeremiah 48:23 And on Beth-Gamul, and on Beth-Meon, (See RSV). ...
/b/beth-ga'mul.htm - 6k

Kirjathaim (6 Occurrences)
... shame and dismayed. (DBY). Jeremiah 48:23 and upon Kirjathaim, and upon
Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon; (DBY). Ezekiel 25:9 therefore ...
/k/kirjathaim.htm - 9k

Kiriatha'im (5 Occurrences)
... been broken down. (See RSV). Jeremiah 48:23 and upon Kiriathaim, and upon
Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon; (See RSV). Ezekiel 25:9 ...
/k/kiriatha'im.htm - 7k

Kiriathaim (7 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). Jeremiah 48:23 and on Kiriathaim, and on
Beth Gamul, and on Beth Meon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS NAS NIV). ...
/k/kiriathaim.htm - 9k

Jachin (8 Occurrences)
... RSV). 1 Chronicles 24:17 the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). 2 Chronicles ...
/j/jachin.htm - 12k

Jakin (8 Occurrences)
... Jehoiarib, Jachin, (See NIV). 1 Chronicles 24:17 the twenty-first to Jachin,
the twenty-second to Gamul, (See NIV). 2 Chronicles 3:17 ...
/j/jakin.htm - 8k

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