Sallu, son of Meshullam and son of Joed
A descendant of Benjamin who settled in Jerusalem during the Post-Exilic period under the leadership of Nehemiah.
Sallu, son of Meshullam and son of Joed, was a member of the tribe of Benjamin who resided in Jerusalem during the era of the Return from Exile. His presence in the holy city is recorded in the context of Nehemiah’s administrative efforts to repopulate Jerusalem, which had remained sparsely inhabited even after the reconstruction of the Second Temple.
As a Benjamite, Sallu represented one of the two primary tribes—alongside Judah—that formed the core of the returning remnant. His inclusion in the genealogical records of Nehemiah 11 signifies his status as a head of a household or a person of recognized standing among the laity who volunteered or was chosen to dwell within the city walls.
Background and Family
Sallu is identified specifically through a detailed lineage within the tribe of Benjamin. According to Nehemiah 11:7, he was the son of Meshullam, who was the son of Joed. The genealogy continues to trace his ancestry through several generations, including Pedaiah, Kolaiah, Maaseiah, Ithiel, and Jeshaiah. This extensive preservation of his paternal line suggests that Sallu belonged to a family of significant historical continuity, maintaining their identity throughout the Babylonian captivity.
Major Life Events
The primary event associated with Sallu is the repopulation of Jerusalem following the Babylonian Exile. During the time of Nehemiah, the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt, but the population within the city was insufficient for its defense and urban function. Nehemiah 11 records that the leaders of the people dwelt in Jerusalem, while the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in the holy city. Sallu is listed among those Benjamites who took up residence in Jerusalem during this critical period of restoration.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Sallu's primary relationships recorded in Scripture are vertical and genealogical. He is the son of Meshullam and the father of subsequent generations not named in this specific verse. He functioned as a contemporary of Nehemiah and the priest Ezra, contributing to the stability of the Post-Exilic community. His role was that of a supportive citizen and tribal representative, ensuring that the tribal inheritance of Benjamin was represented in the administrative and spiritual capital of the province of Yehud.
Spiritual Significance
While the biblical record of Sallu is brief, his spiritual significance lies in his commitment to the restoration of Jerusalem. For a returning exile, living in Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah involved personal sacrifice and risk, as the city was a target for surrounding hostile nations. By settling in the city, Sallu participated in the fulfillment of prophetic promises regarding the return of the remnant to Zion. His inclusion in the sacred text serves as a permanent memorial to those who prioritized the reconstruction of the community of faith over personal comfort in rural districts.
Spiritual Significance
Sallu's significance is found in the preservation of the Benjamite heritage during the precarious Post-Exilic period. His name stands as a testament to the fact that God preserved specific families through the judgment of the Exile to see the restoration of the Promised Land. He represents the 'lay' involvement necessary for the survival of the Jewish state under Persian rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tribe did Sallu belong to?
Sallu was a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
In which book of the Bible is this Sallu mentioned?
This specific Sallu is mentioned only in the book of Nehemiah, specifically in chapter 11.
Who was Sallu's father?
Sallu was the son of Meshullam.
Why was Sallu living in Jerusalem?
He was part of the group of Benjamites who settled in Jerusalem during the Post-Exilic period to help repopulate and secure the city after the walls were rebuilt by Nehemiah.
Connected Figures
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Nehemiah1
Family & Relationships
Parent
Nehemiah 11:7
Others Named Sallu
Sallu, Priest of the ReturnNehemiah 12:7
A prominent head of a priestly family who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile during the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua.
Sallu, Son of Meshullam1 Chronicles 9:7
A prominent Benjamite who was among the first of the returning exiles to resettle in Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.