Shallum שַׁלּוּם
Ephraimite leader who opposed taking captives from Judah
Who is Shallum in the Bible?
Shallum was an Ephraimite leader mentioned in 2 Chronicles 28:12 who opposed the Israelite army's plan to enslave captives from Judah during King Ahaz's reign. When King Pekah's forces attacked Judah and captured its people intending to bring them back to Samaria as slaves, Shallum and other Ephraimite leaders confronted the army and rebuked them for compounding their sins against the Lord. Their intervention was successful, resulting in the release of the captives, who were then provided with clothing, food, and medical care before being returned to Judah. Shallum's actions demonstrate a remarkable moment of compassion and unity among the divided northern and southern kingdoms, showing that even during times of conflict, voices of conscience could prevent further injustice.
Biography
Shallum, mentioned in 2Ch.28.12, was one of the leaders from the tribe of Ephraim who opposed the army of Israel taking captives from Judah during the reign of King Ahaz. When the army of Israel, led by King Pekah, attacked Judah and captured a large number of people, intending to bring them back to Samaria as slaves, Shallum and other leaders confronted them. They rebuked the army, reminding them of their own sins against the Lord and warning them not to add to their guilt by enslaving their fellow Israelites. As a result of their intervention, the captives were released, and the leaders of Ephraim provided them with clothing, food, and medical care before sending them back to Judah. Shallum's actions, along with those of the other leaders, demonstrated a sense of unity and compassion among the tribes of Israel, even during a time of conflict and division.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 28:12
"Then some of the leaders of the Ephraimites—Azariah son of Jehohanan, Berechiah son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai—stood in opposition to those arriving from the war."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שַׁלּוּם |