Salu is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. He is identified as a member of the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Salu's significance in the biblical narrative is primarily linked to his son, Zimri, who plays a notable role in the events described in the Book of Numbers.

Genealogy and Tribal Affiliation

Salu is introduced in the Book of Numbers as a leader within the tribe of Simeon. The tribe of Simeon is one of the tribes descended from Jacob, also known as Israel, through his second son with Leah. The tribe is known for its role in the early history of Israel, including its participation in the conquest of Canaan.

Biblical Reference

The primary reference to Salu is found in Numbers 25:14, which states: "The name of the slain Israelite man who was killed with the Midianite woman was Zimri son of Salu, a leader of a Simeonite family." This passage occurs during the account of Israel's sin at Peor, where the Israelites engaged in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite and Midianite women, leading to a divine plague as punishment.

The Incident at Peor

The incident at Peor is a critical moment in Israel's wilderness journey. The Israelites, having been seduced into worshiping the Baal of Peor, incurred the wrath of God. In response, Moses was instructed to execute the leaders of the people who had led Israel into sin. During this time, Zimri, the son of Salu, openly brought a Midianite woman, Cozbi, into the camp, an act of defiance against Moses and the covenantal laws of Israel.

Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron the priest, took immediate action by killing Zimri and Cozbi with a spear, an act that halted the plague and was commended by God. This zealous act is seen as a turning point, demonstrating the importance of covenant fidelity and the rejection of idolatry.

Theological Implications

The account of Salu and his son Zimri serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. It underscores the importance of leadership and the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in righteousness. The narrative also highlights the role of divine justice and the necessity of upholding the holiness of the community.

Legacy

While Salu himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention in the context of the events at Peor provides insight into the challenges faced by the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The account of Zimri, his son, serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptations of surrounding cultures.Salu

(weighed), the father of Zimri the prince of the Simeonites who was slain by Phinehas. (Numbers 25:14) Called also Salom. (B.C.1452.)

SALU

sa'-lu (calu'; Septuagint: Codex Vaticanus Salmon; Codex Alexandrinus Salo; the King James Version has "Salom" in 1 Maccabees 2:26): A prince and the head of a house of the tribe of Simeon and the father of Zimri who was slain by Phinehas along with the Midianite woman whom he had brought to the camp of Israel (Numbers 25:14; 1Ma 2:26).

5543c. Salu -- a Simeonite
... 5543b, 5543c. Salu. 5544 . a Simeonite. Transliteration: Salu Short Definition:
Salu. Word Origin from salah Definition a Simeonite NASB Word Usage Salu (1 ...
/hebrew/5543c.htm - 5k

5543. Calluw -- an Israelite priest
... 5542, 5543. Calluw. 5543a . an Israelite priest. Transliteration: Calluw Phonetic
Spelling: (sal-loo') Short Definition: Sallai. Sallai, Sallu, Salu ...
/hebrew/5543.htm - 5k

Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped?
... over those whom they punished; such as Moses in slaying the Egyptian (Ex.2:12),
and Phinees the son of Eleazar in slaying Zambri the son of Salu (Num.25:7-14 ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether judgment is rendered perverse.htm

Salu (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SALU. sa'-lu (calu'; Septuagint: Codex ... 2:26).
Multi-Version Concordance Salu (1 Occurrence). Numbers 25:14 ...
/s/salu.htm - 7k

Midianitish (4 Occurrences)
... mid'-i-an-it-ish, (ha-midhyanith, "the Midianitess"): The designation given to the
daughter of Zur, Cozbi, whom Zimri the son of Salu brought into the camp of ...
/m/midianitish.htm - 8k

Zimri (16 Occurrences)
... (1.) A son of Salu, slain by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, because of his wickedness
in bringing a Midianitish woman into his tent (Numbers 25:6-15). ...
/z/zimri.htm - 18k

Woman (4043 Occurrences)
... mid'-i-an-it-ish, (ha-midhyanith, "the Midianitess"): The designation given to the
daughter of Zur, Cozbi, whom Zimri the son of Salu brought into the camp of ...
/w/woman.htm - 45k

Midianite (11 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:14 Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain, who was slain with
the Midianite woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a fathers ...
/m/midianite.htm - 13k

Mid'ianite (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:14 Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain, who was slain with
the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a fathers ...
/m/mid'ianite.htm - 8k

Midianitess (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:14 And the name of the man of Israel who is smitten, who hath been smitten
with the Midianitess, 'is' Zimri son of Salu, prince of the house of a ...
/m/midianitess.htm - 7k

Cozbi (2 Occurrences)
... the daughter of Zur, "head of the people of a fathers' house in Midian." She was
slain by Phinehas at Shittim in company with "Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince ...
/c/cozbi.htm - 7k

Salty (4 Occurrences)

/s/salty.htm - 7k

Salom
... 1) The father of Helkias (Baruch 1:7). Greek form of "Shallum." (2) the King James
Version = the Revised Version (British and American) "Salu" (1 Maccabees 2:26 ...
/s/salom.htm - 6k

Who was King Zimri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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