Allon
Who was Allon in the Bible?
A Simeonite descendant who lived during the period of the Divided Monarchy and is recorded in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
Allon was a member of the tribe of Simeon, specifically identified within the genealogical registers of the Chronicler. His existence is situated during the Divided Monarchy, a period following the fracture of the unified kingdom of Israel into the northern and southern realms. While he does not take a primary role in the political or military narratives of the era, his inclusion in the sacred text serves to preserve the lineage of the Simeonite families.
As a link in a specific ancestral chain, Allon represents the persistence of the tribe of Simeon within the southern territory of Judah. The biblical record identifies him as the son of Jedaiah and the father of Shiphi, positioning him as a transitional figure between generations of Simeonite leadership or family prominence.
Background and Family
Allon is documented exclusively in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 4. According to 1 Chronicles 4:37, he was a member of the tribe of Simeon. The text identifies his father as Jedaiah and his son as Shiphi. His lineage is further traced back through his grandfather Shimri to his great-grandfather Shemaiah.
This specific family line is recorded in the context of the Simeonite expansion. The tribe of Simeon, though often overshadowed by the larger tribe of Judah within whose territory they resided, maintained distinct genealogical identities. Allon’s place in this list indicates his status as a legitimate heir to the Simeonite heritage during the Divided Monarchy.
Major Life Events
The biblical text provides no specific narrative events regarding the life of Allon. There are no recorded speeches, actions, or historical deeds attributed to him beyond his role as a biological and social link between Jedaiah and Shiphi. His life is defined by his placement within the Chronicler’s list of "leaders in their clans" (1 Chronicles 4:38). These individuals were noted for their increase in numbers and their eventual movement toward the valley of Gedor in search of pasture for their flocks.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Allon’s primary relationships are defined by his immediate family members. He is the son of Jedaiah and the father of Shiphi. Through his son Shiphi, he is the grandfather of Ziza. Ziza is noted in the following verse as one of the leaders who led a successful expansion of Simeonite territory during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. While Allon himself is not credited with this conquest, he is the direct ancestor of the men who secured new land for the tribe, suggesting he was part of a lineage that maintained strength and influence over several generations.
Spiritual Significance
Within the theological framework of 1 Chronicles, the preservation of names like Allon signifies the enduring nature of God’s covenant with the tribes of Israel. Even tribes like Simeon, which were numerically smaller or territorially integrated, were not forgotten in the divine record. Allon represents the "silent generations" whose primary contribution was the faithful maintenance of family and tribal identity, enabling the eventual successes of their descendants. His name, which means "oak," may reflect the cultural value of strength or endurance attributed to his family line during the volatile years of the Divided Monarchy.
Allon's significance lies in his inclusion in the tribal genealogies that document the survival and growth of the tribe of Simeon. During the Divided Monarchy, when tribal identities were often under pressure due to shifting borders and political instability, Allon’s lineage represents the continuity of the Simeonite people and their eventual expansion into new territories under Hezekiah.
Theologically, his mention serves the Chronicler's purpose of demonstrating that every individual within the tribal structure held a place in the national history of Israel. Allon serves as a bridge between the ancestral past and the generation of Ziza, who took active steps to secure the tribe's future, illustrating the importance of lineage in the biblical narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Allon mean in Hebrew?
The name Allon (אַלּוֹן) is a Hebrew word meaning 'oak' or 'strong tree'.
Which tribe did Allon belong to?
Allon was a member of the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Who was Allon's father?
According to 1 Chronicles 4:37, Allon was the son of Jedaiah.
Did Allon have any famous descendants?
Yes, he was the grandfather of Ziza, who is recorded as a leader of the Simeonites who expanded their territory during the time of King Hezekiah.
When did Allon live?
Allon lived during the period of the Divided Monarchy in Israel and Judah.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Jedaiah, Son of ShimriFather1 Chronicles 4:37Stated
AllonThis pageChildren
ShiphiSon1 Chronicles 4:37Stated
Extended family
Ziza, Simeonite of the Divided MonarchyGrandson1 Chronicles 4:37Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 4:37
A descendant of Simeon during the Divided Monarchy whose lineage is preserved in the genealogical records of the chronicler.
Son · 1 Chronicles 4:37
A Simeonite leader and descendant of Allon whose lineage is recorded during the Divided Monarchy period in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 1 Chronicles 4:371 versesPatriarchSimeon
Grandson · 1 Chronicles 4:37
A prince and leader of the tribe of Simeon during the Divided Monarchy who is recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 1 Chronicles 4:371 versesPrinceSimeon
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 4:37
and Ziza son of Shiphi (son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah).