Topical Encyclopedia The term "Shilonites" refers to the inhabitants or descendants associated with Shiloh, an ancient city of significant religious importance in the history of Israel. Shiloh, located in the territory of Ephraim, served as a central place of worship and the site of the Tabernacle before the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious capital under King David.Biblical Significance of Shiloh Shiloh holds a prominent place in biblical history as the location where the Ark of the Covenant was housed during the period of the Judges. It was here that the Israelites gathered for major religious festivals and where the priesthood, under the leadership of Eli, ministered before the Lord. The city is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua, where it is described as the place where the whole congregation of Israel assembled to set up the Tent of Meeting (Joshua 18:1). The Shilonites in Scripture The term "Shilonites" is specifically mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. In 1 Chronicles 9:5 , the text states, "From the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons." This reference indicates that the Shilonites were a family or clan within the tribe of Judah, possibly named after an ancestor or due to their association with Shiloh. Role and Legacy The Shilonites, as part of the broader narrative of Israel's history, represent the enduring legacy of Shiloh as a spiritual center. Although the city eventually lost its preeminence to Jerusalem, the Shilonites' mention in the genealogies underscores the lasting impact of Shiloh's religious heritage. The city itself is often remembered for its role in the early history of Israel's worship and governance, serving as a precursor to the centralized worship that would later be established in Jerusalem. Shiloh in Prophecy Shiloh is also significant in biblical prophecy. In Genesis 49:10 , Jacob's blessing over his son Judah includes a messianic prophecy: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." This verse has been traditionally interpreted by many Christian theologians as a reference to the coming of the Messiah, with "Shiloh" symbolizing peace and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise through the line of Judah. Historical and Archaeological Insights Archaeological excavations at the site of ancient Shiloh have provided insights into its historical significance. Discoveries of pottery, remnants of structures, and other artifacts suggest a thriving community that played a central role in the religious life of early Israel. These findings corroborate the biblical narrative of Shiloh as a key location during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. In summary, the Shilonites, while briefly mentioned in the biblical text, are part of the rich tapestry of Israel's history, connected to the pivotal role of Shiloh as a center of worship and prophecy. Their mention in the genealogies serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Shiloh in the spiritual heritage of Israel. Strong's Hebrew 7888. Shiloni -- inhab. of Shiloh... Definition: Shilonite. Word Origin from Shiloh Definition inhab. of Shiloh NASB Word Usage Shilonite (6), Shilonites (1). Shilonite. Or ... /hebrew/7888.htm - 6k Thesaurus Shilonites (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Shilonites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 9:5 Of the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons. (WEB ... /s/shilonites.htm - 6k Shi'lonites (1 Occurrence) Shi'lonite (6 Occurrences) Asaiah (8 Occurrences) Asai'ah (8 Occurrences) Shilonite (7 Occurrences) Oldest (58 Occurrences) First-born (110 Occurrences) Firstborn (119 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Shilonites (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 9:5 Subtopics Related Terms |