The term "Shillemite" refers to an individual belonging to the tribe of Shillem, one of the families of the tribe of Naphtali, as mentioned in the Old Testament. The Shillemites are descendants of Shillem, who was one of the sons of Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The lineage and tribal affiliations are significant in understanding the distribution and inheritance of the land among the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 46:24 : "The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem." This verse lists the sons of Naphtali, establishing Shillem as one of the patriarchs of the Naphtalite clan. The mention of Shillem here is crucial for identifying the Shillemites as his descendants.

2. Numbers 26:48-49 : "These were the descendants of Naphtali by their clans: The Jahzeelite clan from Jahzeel, the Gunite clan from Guni, the Jezerite clan from Jezer, and the Shillemite clan from Shillem." This passage is part of the census taken by Moses and Eleazar, the priest, in the plains of Moab. It highlights the Shillemite clan as one of the distinct family groups within the tribe of Naphtali.

Tribal Significance:

The Shillemites, as part of the tribe of Naphtali, played a role in the broader narrative of the Israelite tribes. Naphtali was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, each of which was allotted a specific portion of the Promised Land. The Shillemites, therefore, would have shared in the inheritance and responsibilities of the Naphtalite territory.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the context of ancient Israel, tribal identity was a fundamental aspect of social and religious life. The Shillemites, like other clans, would have had their own leaders and elders, contributing to the governance and spiritual life of the tribe. The tribal system also played a crucial role in the organization of the Israelite community, particularly during the conquest of Canaan and the subsequent settlement period.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Shillemites underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, particularly the promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation. The detailed genealogies and tribal records in the Bible serve to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying the descendants of the patriarchs, despite the challenges and adversities they faced.

Role in Israel's History:

While the Shillemites are not individually highlighted in specific biblical narratives, their inclusion in the genealogical records signifies their participation in the collective history of Israel. As part of the tribe of Naphtali, the Shillemites would have been involved in the various military, social, and religious activities that shaped the nation of Israel.

In summary, the Shillemites represent a branch of the Naphtalite tribe, contributing to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and heritage as recorded in the Scriptures. Their mention in the biblical genealogies serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel.Shillemite (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 26:49
of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.
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Shillemite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shillemite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:49 of Jezer, the
family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. ...
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Shillemites (1 Occurrence)

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Shillem (3 Occurrences)

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