The term "Jerahmeelite" refers to the descendants of Jerahmeel, a figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. Jerahmeel was the firstborn son of Hezron, a descendant of Judah, making the Jerahmeelites part of the broader tribe of Judah. The Jerahmeelites are primarily noted in the genealogical records and narratives of the Old Testament, where they are recognized as a distinct clan within the tribe of Judah.

Biblical References:

1. Genealogy and Lineage:
The Jerahmeelites are introduced in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. Jerahmeel is listed as a son of Hezron, who was a grandson of Judah. The genealogy is detailed in 1 Chronicles 2:9, 25-27 : "The sons of Hezron who were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Caleb... The sons of Jerahmeel, the firstborn of Hezron: Ram his firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah."

2. Territorial Associations:
The Jerahmeelites are associated with specific territories within the land of Judah. Their presence in the Negev region is implied in the narrative of David's interactions with various groups during his time as a fugitive from King Saul. In 1 Samuel 27:10 , David, while living among the Philistines, conducts raids and reports to Achish, the Philistine king, that he has attacked "the Negev of Judah, the Negev of the Jerahmeelites, and the Negev of the Kenites."

3. Role in David's Narrative:
The Jerahmeelites are mentioned in the context of David's military campaigns and his efforts to secure alliances and support. In 1 Samuel 30:29 , after recovering his family and possessions from the Amalekites, David sends some of the plunder to various groups, including the Jerahmeelites: "to those in Racal, to those in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, to those in the cities of the Kenites."

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Jerahmeelites, as a clan within the tribe of Judah, played a role in the early formation of the Israelite nation. Their mention in the context of David's activities suggests they were a recognized group with their own territorial claims and social structure. The genealogical records in Chronicles emphasize the importance of lineage and tribal affiliations in ancient Israel, highlighting the Jerahmeelites' connection to the broader narrative of God's covenant with the people of Israel through the line of Judah.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Jerahmeelites' inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, particularly the promise of land and descendants. The genealogies serve to trace the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific family lines, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, who is of the tribe of Judah. The Jerahmeelites, as part of this lineage, contribute to the rich tapestry of God's covenantal faithfulness throughout the history of Israel.Jerahmeelite (1 Occurrence)

1 Samuel 27:10
Achish said, "Against whom have you made a raid today?" David said, "Against the South of Judah, against the South of the Jerahmeelites, and against the South of the Kenites."
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Jerahmeelite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jerahmeelite (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 27:10 Achish
said, "Against whom have you made a raid today?" David ...
/j/jerahmeelite.htm - 6k

Jerahmeelites (2 Occurrences)

/j/jerahmeelites.htm - 9k

Zaza (1 Occurrence)
... ZAZA. za'-za (zaza', meaning unknown; the Septuagint's Codex Vaticanus Ozam;
Codex Alexandrinus Ozaza): A Jerahmeelite (1 Chronicles 2:33). ...
/z/zaza.htm - 7k

Zabad (8 Occurrences)
... Yahweh has given," ie Zebadiah; or (2) zabhdi'el, "El (God) is my gift" (HPN, 222);
Zabed(t), with many variants): (1) A Jerahmeelite (1 Chronicles 2:36, 37 ...
/z/zabad.htm - 11k

Obed (13 Occurrences)
... (2) Son of Ephlal and descendant of Sheshan, the Jerahmeelite, through his daughter
who was married to Jarha, an Egyptian servant of her father's (1 Chronicles ...
/o/obed.htm - 12k

Jerah'meel (8 Occurrences)
Jerah'meel. Jerahmeel, Jerah'meel. Jerahmeelite . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Jerahmeel, Jerah'meel. Jerahmeelite . Reference Bible.
/j/jerah'meel.htm - 8k

Jether (8 Occurrences)
... to 1 Chronicles 2:17 = "Ithra, the Israelite" of 2 Samuel 17:25, where "the Ishmaelite"
should be read for "the Israelite." (4) A Jerahmeelite (1 Chronicles 2 ...
/j/jether.htm - 11k

Ishi (5 Occurrences)
... ish'-i (yish`i, "salutary"): (1) A Jerahmeelite (1 Chronicles 2:31); the genealogy
may denote his membership by blood, or only by adoption, in the tribe of ...
/i/ishi.htm - 9k

Ram (96 Occurrences)
... the son of Hezron appears more likely than Ram the son of Jerahmeel, since, according
to the narratives of 1 and 2 Samuel, David cannot have been a Jerahmeelite...
/r/ram.htm - 41k

Eker (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EKER. e'-ker ('eqer, "root"): A Jerahmeelite (1
Chronicles 2:27). Multi-Version Concordance Eker (1 Occurrence). ...
/e/eker.htm - 6k

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