Meshullam, Son of Elpaal

Who was Meshullam, Son of Elpaal, in the Bible?

A member of the tribe of Benjamin and son of Elpaal mentioned within the genealogical records of the Divided Monarchy.

Tribe of BenjaminSouthern Kingdom (Judah)
Named in1 ChroniclesHistorical Books

This is one of 20 people named Meshullam in the Bible. See all 20 →

Meshullam, the son of Elpaal, is a figure recorded in the genealogical archives of the tribe of Benjamin. His presence in the biblical text is found specifically within the post-exilic chronicling of Israel’s tribal lineages, which served to validate the heritage and land rights of the returning exiles by connecting them to their ancestors from the Divided Monarchy era.

Though his personal actions are not detailed in the narrative, Meshullam is identified as one of the many descendants of Benjamin who resided in or influenced the development of the region around Jerusalem and its outskirts. He is situated within a large family of brothers who were prominent enough to be preserved in the sacred record during a time of tribal restructuring and historical reflection.

Background and Family

Meshullam was a member of the tribe of Benjamin, a group noted for their fierce martial history and their strategic location between the northern and southern kingdoms during the Divided Monarchy. He is explicitly identified as the son of Elpaal. The record in 1 Chronicles 8 provides a detailed list of his immediate kin, noting that he was a brother to Zebadiah, Hizki, Heber, Ishmerai, Izliah, Jobab, and several others.

His father, Elpaal, is credited in the preceding verses with building or restoring the towns of Ono and Lod, as well as their surrounding villages. This suggests that Meshullam belonged to a family of considerable influence and geographic reach within the Benjamite territory. The naming of Meshullam alongside his siblings serves to establish the continuity of the Benjamite line through the turbulent centuries of the Divided Monarchy.

Major Life Events

The biblical text does not provide a narrative account of Meshullam's specific actions, speeches, or death. His inclusion in the text is strictly genealogical. Within the context of 1 Chronicles 8:17, he is listed as a head of a household or a significant figure within the lineage of Elpaal. During the period of the Divided Monarchy, Benjamin often remained closely aligned with the tribe of Judah, and families like Meshullam's were essential to maintaining the demographic and military stability of the southern buffer zone against the Northern Kingdom and foreign invaders.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Meshullam’s primary biblical connection is to his father, Elpaal, and his twelve named brothers. The genealogy links him back to Shaharaim, who had children in the country of Moab. This indicates a family history that involved migration and resettlement, yet Meshullam represents the branch of the family that remained integral to the tribal identity of Israel. He is closely associated with Zebadiah and Hizki, as they are listed sequentially in the same verse (1 Chronicles 8:17), often implying a closer sub-grouping within the larger family structure.

Spiritual Significance

While Meshullam is a minor figure in terms of narrative weight, his inclusion in the Bible underscores the theological theme of divine remembrance. The Chronicler’s meticulous preservation of names like Meshullam signifies that every individual within the covenant community held a place in God's historical plan. In the spiritual landscape of the Divided Monarchy, maintaining one's tribal identity was an act of faithfulness to the heritage of the Divided Monarchy. Meshullam represents the "quiet" majority of Israelites who preserved their lineage and tribal duties through the centuries, ensuring that the identity of the people of God was not lost to history.

Meshullam serves as a link in the chain of Benjamite genealogy, representing the preservation of tribal identity during the Divided Monarchy. His presence in the record validates the legitimacy of the Benjamite families who contributed to the social fabric of the nation.

Theologically, Meshullam illustrates that the biblical record values the individual within the collective. Even without a detailed story, his name is recorded in the inspired text, affirming that he was known to God and essential to the continuity of the tribe that would eventually produce figures such as the Apostle Paul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tribe did Meshullam, son of Elpaal, belong to?

He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.

Where is Meshullam mentioned in the Bible?

He is mentioned only in 1 Chronicles 8:17.

Who was Meshullam's father?

His father was Elpaal, a man known for building the towns of Ono and Lod.

Who were some of Meshullam's brothers?

His brothers included Zebadiah, Hizki, Heber, Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab, among others.

During what era did Meshullam live?

He lived during the era of the Divided Monarchy.

Family & Relationships

Parents

  • Portrait of ElpaalElpaalFather1 Chronicles 8:18Stated
Portrait of Meshullam, Son of ElpaalMeshullam, Son of ElpaalThis page

Connected Figures

Family

Categories

Divided Monarchy

Mentions by Book

  • 1 Chronicles11

Scripture References

All 11 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.

1 Chronicles · 11

  • 1 Chronicles 8:12Partial

    The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its villages),

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:13Partial

    and Beriah and Shema (who were the heads of families living in Aijalon and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath).

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:14Partial

    Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth,

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:15Partial

    Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:16Partial

    Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah.

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:17

    Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,

  • 1 Chronicles 8:18Partial

    Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal.

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:19Partial

    Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi,

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:20Partial

    Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:21Partial

    Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei.

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:22Partial

    Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

Others Named Meshullam

Compare all 20 bearers →

  • Meshullam, Signer of the CovenantNehemiah 10:20

    A Jewish leader during the Post-Exilic period who joined Nehemiah in signing the firm covenant to follow God's Law.

  • Meshullam, Grandfather of Shaphan2 Kings 22:3

    A man of the Divided Monarchy period known solely as the grandfather of Shaphan the scribe during King Josiah's reign.

  • Meshullam, son of JoedNehemiah 11:7

    A Benjamite whose descendants settled in Jerusalem during the Post-Exilic period after the return from Babylon.

  • Meshullam, Priest of the ReturnNehemiah 10:7

    A priest during the Post-Exilic period who signed the covenant with Nehemiah and participated in the dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem.

  • Meshullam, Levite of the Return1 Chronicles 9:12

    A Levite priest during the Post-Exilic period who served in the priestly lineage of Immer, contributing to the re-establishment of Jerusalem.

  • Meshullam, Son of Abihail1 Chronicles 5:13

    A prominent head of a household within the tribe of Gad who lived during the era of the Divided Monarchy.

  • Meshullam, Son of Shephatiah1 Chronicles 9:8

    A descendant of Reuel and son of Shephatiah who was among the heads of households to settle in Jerusalem following the return from the Babylonian exile.

  • Meshullam, Son of Zerubbabel1 Chronicles 3:19

    A member of the Davidic line and the eldest son of Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah during the restoration period.

  • Meshullam, Levite of the Divided Monarchy2 Chronicles 34:12

    A Levite of the Kohathite family who served as a faithful overseer during King Josiah’s restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem.

  • Meshullam, Son of Hodaviah1 Chronicles 9:7

    A Benjamite who returned from the Babylonian exile and settled in Jerusalem as a head of a household.

  • Meshullam, Leader of the ReturnEzra 8:16

    A prominent Jewish leader summoned by Ezra at the Ahava Canal to assist in recruiting Levites for the return to Jerusalem in 458 BC.

  • Meshullam, son of BesodeiahNehemiah 3:6

    A Jewish returnee who collaborated with Jehoiada to repair the Old Gate of Jerusalem's wall during the governorship of Nehemiah.

  • Meshullam, Son of BaniEzra 10:29

    A descendant of Bani who lived during the return from the Babylonian exile and was recorded for having taken a foreign wife.

  • Meshullam, Head of the House of GinnethonNehemiah 12:16

    A Jewish priest and head of the ancestral house of Ginnethon during the post-exilic high priesthood of Joiakim.

  • Meshullam, Supporter of Ezra’s AssemblyNehemiah 8:4

    A prominent Jewish leader who stood at the left hand of Ezra the scribe during the public reading of the Law in Jerusalem.

  • Meshullam, Gatekeeper of the ReturnNehemiah 12:25

    A Levite gatekeeper during the post-exilic period who was responsible for guarding the storerooms at the gates of Jerusalem.

  • Meshullam, Son of BerechiahNehemiah 3:4

    A prominent wall-rebuilder under Nehemiah who maintained a complex, controversial alliance with the Ammonite official Tobiah.

  • Meshullam, Priest of Ezra's LineageNehemiah 12:13

    A prominent post-exilic priest and head of the ancestral house of Ezra during the high priesthood of Joiakim.

  • Meshullam, Supporter of Jonathan son of AsahelEzra 10:15

    A man who supported the opposition led by Jonathan son of Asahel regarding Ezra's plan for investigating foreign marriages in the post-exilic community.

Books They Appear In

1 Chronicles