Shallum שַׁלּוּם
Gatekeeper of the tabernacle during David's reign
Who is Shallum in the Bible?
Shallum was a chief gatekeeper of the tabernacle during King David's reign, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 9:17-19 and 31. A descendant of the Korahites, a Levitical family, Shallum held the important responsibility of overseeing and guarding the entrances to the tabernacle, maintaining both its sanctity and security. He also had oversight of the preparation of the showbread used in temple worship. His descendants continued this sacred service as gatekeepers long after the Babylonian exile, as their names appear among those who returned and rebuilt the temple, mentioned in Ezra 2:42 and Nehemiah 7:45. Shallum's role exemplifies the vital responsibility trusted to the Levites in preserving the holiness of God's dwelling place.
Biography
Shallum, mentioned in 1Ch.9.17-19,31, Ezr.2.42, and Neh.7.45, was a gatekeeper of the tabernacle during the reign of King David. He is described as the chief of the gatekeepers and is credited with overseeing the gates. Shallum's lineage is traced back to Korah, indicating that he was a descendant of the Korahites, a Levitical family entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the entrance to the tabernacle. The gatekeepers played a crucial role in maintaining the sanctity and security of the tabernacle and later the temple. Shallum's descendants continued to serve as gatekeepers, as evidenced by their mention in the lists of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. In addition to his role as a gatekeeper, Shallum is also mentioned as being in charge of baking the showbread, which was a sacred offering placed before the Lord in the tabernacle. This suggests that he had additional responsibilities related to the preparation of sacred items used in worship.
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 2 with study content1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 9:17
"These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief;"
- 1 Chronicles 9:19
"Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD."
- 1 Chronicles 9:31
"A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread."
Ezra 1 verse
- Ezra 2:42
"The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 139 in all."
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Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 7:45
"The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138 in all."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שַׁלּוּם |