Jorkeam is a biblical location mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. It appears in the context of the descendants of Caleb, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah, known for his faithfulness and courage during the Israelite exploration of Canaan. The reference to Jorkeam is found in 1 Chronicles 2:44, which states: "Shema the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem was the father of Shammai."

Genealogical Context

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the lineage and heritage of the tribes of Israel, particularly focusing on the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. Jorkeam is listed as a descendant of Caleb, who was the son of Hezron. Caleb is renowned for his unwavering faith in God, as demonstrated when he, along with Joshua, brought back a positive report from the land of Canaan, encouraging the Israelites to trust in God's promise to give them the land (Numbers 13-14).

Location and Significance

While the exact location of Jorkeam is not definitively known, it is considered to be a town or settlement within the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The mention of Jorkeam in the genealogical records highlights the importance of familial and tribal connections in ancient Israelite society. These records served not only as historical documentation but also as a means of preserving the identity and heritage of the people of Israel.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The inclusion of Jorkeam in the genealogies underscores the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. By tracing the lineage of significant figures like Caleb, the chronicler emphasizes the continuity of God's promises through successive generations. This continuity is a testament to God's enduring commitment to His people, despite their frequent disobedience and failures.

Furthermore, the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the mention of Jorkeam, serve to connect the post-exilic community of Israel with their ancestral past. By reaffirming their identity as descendants of the patriarchs and the tribes of Israel, the chronicler encourages the returned exiles to remain faithful to the covenant and to trust in God's ongoing plan for their nation.

Conclusion

The brief mention of Jorkeam in the Bible, while seemingly minor, contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and heritage. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's people and the importance of remembering and honoring one's lineage as part of the broader narrative of God's redemptive work throughout history.JORKEAM

jor'-ke-am (yorqe`am; the King James Version Jorkoam): This is probably to be taken as the name of a town, the "father" or "founder" of which was Raham (1 Chronicles 2:44). It may be identical with "Jokdeam" of Joshua 15:56.

3421. Yorqeam -- an Israelite
... Yorqeam. 3422 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Yorqeam Phonetic Spelling:
(yor-keh-awm') Short Definition: Jorkeam. ... NASB Word Usage Jorkeam (1). Jorkeam. ...
/hebrew/3421.htm - 6kJorkeam (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JORKEAM. ... It may be identical with "Jokdeam" of
Joshua 15:56. Multi-Version Concordance Jorkeam (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/jorkeam.htm - 7k

Jor'ke-am (1 Occurrence)
Jor'ke-am. Jorkeam, Jor'ke-am. Jorkoam . ... Jor'ke-am (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles
2:44 And Shema begot Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem begot Shammai. ...
/j/jor'ke-am.htm - 6k

Raham (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RAHAM. ra'-ham (racham, "pity," "love"): Son of
Shema, and father of Jorkeam (1 Chronicles 2:44). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/r/raham.htm - 7k

Jorim (1 Occurrence)

/j/jorim.htm - 6k

Rekem (6 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:44 Shema became the father of Raham, the father of
Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai. (WEB KJV ...
/r/rekem.htm - 11k

Shema (7 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:44 Shema became the father of Raham, the father of
Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai. (WEB KJV ...
/s/shema.htm - 10k

Shammai (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:44 Shema became the father
of Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai. ...
/s/shammai.htm - 8k

Sham'mai (4 Occurrences)
... and Abishur. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:44 And Shema begot Raham, the father
of Jorkeam; and Rekem begot Shammai. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/s/sham'mai.htm - 7k

Begot (119 Occurrences)
... begot Elishama. (DBY JPS). 1 Chronicles 2:44 And Shema begot Raham, the father
of Jorkeam. And Rekem begot Shammai; (DBY JPS). 1 Chronicles ...
/b/begot.htm - 30k

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