Jalam is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is identified as one of the sons of Esau, the patriarch of the Edomites, and his wife Oholibamah. The name "Jalam" is found in the context of the family lineage of Esau, who is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible as the brother of Jacob and the son of Isaac and Rebekah.

Biblical References:

Jalam is specifically mentioned in the Book of Genesis, which provides the genealogical records of Esau's descendants. In Genesis 36:5, the Berean Standard Bible states: "And Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan." This passage highlights Jalam as one of the three sons born to Esau and Oholibamah during their time in Canaan.

Further mention of Jalam is found in Genesis 36:14, which reiterates his position in the family: "These are the sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah: chief Jeush, Jalam, and Korah." This verse underscores the prominence of Jalam and his brothers as chiefs, indicating their leadership roles within the Edomite community.

Genealogical Significance:

Jalam's inclusion in the genealogical records of Genesis is significant as it contributes to the broader narrative of the descendants of Esau, who became the nation of Edom. The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, played a notable role in the history of the Israelites, often depicted as both relatives and adversaries. The genealogies serve to establish the familial connections and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding the multiplication of his descendants.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The mention of Jalam and his brothers as "chiefs" suggests a structured society within the Edomite community, with leadership roles likely based on familial lines. This reflects the tribal organization common in the ancient Near East, where family lineage determined social and political status.

The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, occupied the region south of the Dead Sea, known as Edom or Idumea. Their interactions with the Israelites are documented throughout the Old Testament, with varying degrees of conflict and cooperation. Understanding the genealogy of Esau, including figures like Jalam, provides insight into the complex relationships between these neighboring peoples.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the genealogies in Genesis, including the mention of Jalam, emphasize the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises. Despite the tensions between Esau and Jacob, God's promise to make Esau a great nation is evident through the detailed record of his descendants. This underscores the theme of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan through the generations.

Jalam, as part of Esau's lineage, represents the broader narrative of God's dealings with the nations surrounding Israel. The genealogies serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all peoples within the biblical narrative and the overarching sovereignty of God in history.JALAM

ja'-lam (ya`lam, according to BDB following Septuagint Ieglom, in Genesis, from `alam, meaning "to conceal"; according to Gunkel, Gen3, 390, from ya`el, "mountain-goat"; see HPN, 90, note 5; King James Version Jaalam): In Genesis 36:5, 14, 18 1 Chronicles 1:35, a son of Esau, mentioned as the 2nd son by Oholibamah; probably an Edomite clan.

3281. Yalam -- an Edomite
... an Edomite. Transliteration: Yalam Phonetic Spelling: (yah-lawm') Short Definition:
Jalam. Word Origin from alam Definition an Edomite NASB Word Usage Jalam (4) ...
/hebrew/3281.htm - 6k

Chapter xxxvi
... And Adah bare Eliphaz to Esau; and Basemath bare Reuel; and Oholibamah bare
Jeush and Jalam and Korah. ... Chief Omar Chief Zerah Chief Jalam. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Jalam (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JALAM. ... Multi-Version Concordance Jalam (4 Occurrences).
Genesis 36:5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. ...
/j/jalam.htm - 8k

Je'ush (9 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. ... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 1:35
The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah. ...
/j/je'ush.htm - 8k

Jeush (9 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. ... 1 Chronicles 1:35 The sons
of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah. ...
/j/jeush.htm - 11k

Oholiba'mah (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:5 and Oholibamah bore Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons
of Esau, that were born unto him in the land of Canaan. (See RSV). ...
/o/oholiba'mah.htm - 8k

Oholibamah (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau,
who were born to him in the land of Canaan. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). ...
/o/oholibamah.htm - 9k

Esau's (13 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:14 These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter
of Zibeon, Esau's wife: she bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. ...
/e/esau's.htm - 10k

Anah (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:14 These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter
of Zibeon, Esau's wife: she bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. ...
/a/anah.htm - 13k

Korah (51 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. ... 1 Chronicles 1:35 The sons
of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah. ...
/k/korah.htm - 44k

Esau (89 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. ... 1 Chronicles 1:35 The sons
of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah. ...
/e/esau.htm - 41k

Zibeon (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:14 These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter
of Zibeon, Esau's wife: she bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. ...
/z/zibeon.htm - 9k

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