Shelesh
Jump to: Hitchcock'sSmith'sISBEConcordanceThesaurusHebrewSubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Shelesh is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the genealogical records that outline the descendants of Jacob's sons. The name "Shelesh" is derived from a Hebrew root that may imply "third" or "triplet," although the exact meaning is not definitively established.

Biblical Reference:

Shelesh is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:35-36, which provides a record of the descendants of Asher. The passage reads:

"The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera." (1 Chronicles 7:35-36)

In this context, Shelesh is listed as one of the sons of Helem, who is a descendant of Asher. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the lineage and tribal affiliations of the Israelites, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Tribal Significance:

As a member of the tribe of Asher, Shelesh is part of a lineage that holds particular significance in the history of Israel. The tribe of Asher was known for its prosperity and abundance, as reflected in the blessings pronounced by Jacob and Moses. Jacob's blessing over Asher states, "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king" (Genesis 49:20). Similarly, Moses' blessing highlights Asher's favor and strength: "Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil" (Deuteronomy 33:24).

Cultural and Historical Context:

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles are part of a broader effort to document the history and heritage of the Israelite tribes during the post-exilic period. These records were crucial for re-establishing tribal identities and land allocations after the Babylonian exile. The chronicler's emphasis on lineage underscores the importance of family and tribal connections in maintaining the covenantal relationship with God.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Shelesh, though brief, contributes to the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness to His people. Each name in the genealogies represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the continuity of His promises through successive generations. The inclusion of Shelesh in the biblical record, therefore, serves as a testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel.

In summary, while Shelesh is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogies of Asher underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical worldview. His presence in the text reflects the broader themes of covenant, continuity, and divine faithfulness that permeate the Scriptures.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Shelesh

captain; prince

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Shelesh

(might), son of Helem. (1 Chronicles 7:35)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHELESH

she'-lesh (shelesh; Codex Vaticanus Seme; Codex Alexandrinus Selles, Lucian, Selem): An Asherite, son of Helem (1 Chronicles 7:35).

Strong's Hebrew
8028. Shelesh -- an Asherite
... 8027, 8028. Shelesh. 8029 . an Asherite. Transliteration: Shelesh Phonetic
Spelling: (sheh'-lesh) Short Definition: Shelesh. Word ...
/hebrew/8028.htm - 6k

8030. Shilshah -- an Asherite
... Shilshah. Feminine from the same as Shelesh; triplication; Shilshah, an Israelite --
Shilshah. see HEBREW Shelesh. 8029, 8030. Shilshah. 8031 . ...
/hebrew/8030.htm - 6k

8032. shilshowm -- three days ago, day before, yesterday
... Or shilshom {shil-shome'}; from the same as Shelesh; trebly, ie (in time) day before
yesterday -- + before (that time, - time), excellent things (from the ...
/hebrew/8032.htm - 5k

Thesaurus
Shelesh (1 Occurrence)
...SHELESH. she'-lesh (shelesh; Codex Vaticanus Seme; Codex Alexandrinus Selles,
Lucian, Selem): An Asherite, son of Helem (1 Chronicles 7:35). ...
/s/shelesh.htm - 6k

Shelf (5 Occurrences)

/s/shelf.htm - 8k

Zophah (2 Occurrences)
... Zophah (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 7:35 The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah,
and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/zophah.htm - 7k

Jimna (2 Occurrences)
... Beriites. (KJV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 7:35 And the sons of his brother
Helem: Zophah, and Jimna, and Shelesh, and Amal. (DBY). ...
/j/jimna.htm - 7k

Imna (1 Occurrence)
... Imna (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:35 The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, and
Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/imna.htm - 6k

Amal (1 Occurrence)
... Amal (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:35 The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, and
Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/a/amal.htm - 6k

Sheleph (2 Occurrences)

/s/sheleph.htm - 7k

Helem (2 Occurrences)
... Helem (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 7:35 The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah,
and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/helem.htm - 7k

Hotham (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 7:35 And the sons of
Hotham, his brother: Zophah and Imna and Shelesh and Amal. (BBE). ...
/h/hotham.htm - 7k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Shelesh (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 7:35
The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Shelesh

Shelesh: Son of Helem

Related Terms

Shelf (5 Occurrences)

Zophah (2 Occurrences)

Jimna (2 Occurrences)

Imna (1 Occurrence)

Amal (1 Occurrence)

Sheleph (2 Occurrences)

Helem (2 Occurrences)

Hotham (3 Occurrences)

Sheleph: Son of Joktan
Top of Page
Top of Page