Meshullam, son of Joed
A Benjamite whose descendants settled in Jerusalem during the Post-Exilic period after the return from Babylon.
Meshullam was a member of the tribe of Benjamin during the era of the Exile and Return. He is primarily identified in the biblical record as an ancestor of Sallu, who was one of the heads of the Benjamite households that chose to reside in the city of Jerusalem following the restoration of the land under the leadership of Nehemiah.
His inclusion in the genealogical registers of Nehemiah 11 highlights the organized efforts of the Jewish leadership to repopulate the holy city, which had remained sparsely inhabited even after the walls were rebuilt. Meshullam represents the generational bridge between the immediate returnees and the established families of the Benjaminite territory.
Background and Family
Meshullam was the son of Joed and a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin. His lineage is traced through several generations, including Pedaiah, Kolaiah, Maaseiah, Ithiel, and Jeshaiah. While the specific details of Meshullam’s own life and personal deeds are not recorded, his placement within this genealogy is significant for identifying the legitimacy of his descendants' claims to heritage and property within the tribal allotments of Israel.
Major Life Events
The biblical record focuses on Meshullam’s role as the father of Sallu. During the governorship of Nehemiah, Jerusalem was a city of great symbolic and religious importance but suffered from a low population. Nehemiah 11 records a deliberate effort to bring residents back into the city, including leaders who volunteered and others chosen by lot. Meshullam’s son, Sallu, was one of the 928 Benjamites who resided in Jerusalem at this time. Meshullam serves as the link connecting this post-exilic leader back to his ancestral roots.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Meshullam is defined by his relationships to his father, Joed, and his son, Sallu. In the context of the Return, these genealogies were essential for establishing the purity of the Israelite lines and ensuring that those serving in or living near the Temple were of the proper stock. By being listed in this specific chain, Meshullam is affirmed as part of the faithful remnant that preserved the identity of the tribe of Benjamin through the Babylonian captivity and back into the Promised Land.
Spiritual Significance
Though Meshullam is mentioned in only one verse, his name—which is often interpreted to mean "friend," "peaceable," or "recompensed"—reflects the hope of the restoration period. His inclusion in the Holy Scriptures serves a specific theological purpose: demonstrating God's faithfulness to the individual families of Israel. Even during the upheaval of the exile, the lines of descent were preserved, allowing for the restoration of the community of faith in the city of God. He represents the "quiet" generations who maintained their heritage so their children could participate in the rebuilding of the nation.
Spiritual Significance
Meshullam’s presence in the Nehemiah 11 census underscores the importance of tribal identity in the post-exilic community. By documenting his lineage, the text validates the Benjamite presence in Jerusalem, fulfilling the historic connection between the tribe of Benjamin and the city that sat on their tribal border. His role is that of a genealogical anchor, ensuring the continuity of the covenant people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is this specific Meshullam mentioned in the Bible?
He is mentioned exclusively in Nehemiah 11:7.
Which tribe did Meshullam belong to?
He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
Who was Meshullam’s father?
His father was Joed.
What is the name of Meshullam’s famous son?
His son was Sallu, a head of a Benjamite household in Jerusalem.
Connected Figures
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Nehemiah1
Family & Relationships
Child
Sallu, son of Meshullam and son of Joed
Nehemiah 11:7
Parent
Nehemiah 11:7
Others Named Meshullam
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, 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
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Meshullam, Son of Zerubbabel1 Chronicles 3:19
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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 Joiada 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, Son of Elpaal1 Chronicles 8:17
A member of the tribe of Benjamin and son of Elpaal mentioned within the genealogical records of the Divided Monarchy.
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
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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.