Sheleph: Son of Joktan
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Sheleph is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Book of Genesis. He is identified as one of the sons of Joktan, who was a descendant of Shem, the son of Noah. The genealogical records place Sheleph within the Table of Nations, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons and their spread across the earth after the Flood.

Biblical References:

Sheleph is mentioned in Genesis 10:26, which states: "Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah," . This verse is part of the larger genealogical account that traces the lineage of Shem, highlighting the descendants who would become the various peoples and nations of the ancient world.

Genealogical Context:

The genealogies in Genesis serve to connect the post-Flood world to the antediluvian past, establishing a continuity of God's creation and His covenant with humanity. Sheleph, as a descendant of Shem, is part of the Semitic line, which is significant in biblical history as it leads to the patriarchs of Israel and ultimately to Jesus Christ.

Historical and Geographical Considerations:

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Sheleph's life or his descendants, some scholars and historians have attempted to associate Sheleph with certain ancient peoples or regions. It is suggested that Sheleph may be linked to the ancient Arabian tribes, as Joktan's descendants are often associated with the Arabian Peninsula. This connection is supported by the geographical context of Joktan's other sons, who are believed to have settled in areas that are part of modern-day Yemen and southern Arabia.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Sheleph in the genealogies underscores the biblical theme of God's providence and the unfolding of His plan through specific lineages. Each name in these genealogies represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive history, leading to the fulfillment of His promises. The inclusion of Sheleph and his brothers in the biblical record highlights the diversity and spread of humanity, as well as the unity of all people under God's sovereign design.

Cultural and Linguistic Insights:

The name Sheleph, like many biblical names, carries potential meanings that reflect cultural and linguistic nuances of the time. While the exact meaning of Sheleph is not definitively known, some propose that it may be related to words meaning "drawn out" or "extracted," which could metaphorically relate to the idea of being set apart or distinguished among the nations.

In summary, Sheleph is a figure whose brief mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the unfolding of God's purposes through history. His place in the genealogies of Genesis contributes to the broader narrative of God's covenantal relationship with His creation.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 10:26
And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:20
And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
8026a. Sheleph -- "drawn out," a son of Joktan and his desc.
... 8026, 8026a. Sheleph. 8026b . "drawn out," a son of Joktan and his desc.
Transliteration: Sheleph Short Definition: Sheleph. Word ...
/hebrew/8026a.htm - 5k

8026. shelaph -- "drawn out," a son of Joktan and his desc.
... shelaph. 8026a . "drawn out," a son of Joktan and his desc. Transliteration: shelaph
Phonetic Spelling: (sheh'-lef) Short Definition: Sheleph. Sheleph ...
/hebrew/8026.htm - 5k

Library

Chapter x
... are mentioned last, we are not on that account to suppose that Shem was the youngest
son of Noah. ... And Joktan begat Almodad and Sheleph and Hazarmaveth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

[Endnotes]
... Philip, the ninth James the son of Alpheus ... Gether,"Sabtah, Lehabim, Jebusite, Joktan,
Mash. ... Almodad, "Sabtechab,Pathrusim, Girgasite, Sheleph, "Sheba, Caslubim ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... "There are three that can bear record in heaven" (1 John 5:7-9). These three are
called "the Father, the Son [Word], and the Holy Spirit"; each of which is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Resources
Who are Semites? | GotQuestions.org

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