Shallum שַׁלּוּם
Israelite who married a foreign woman during Ezra's time
Who is Shallum in the Bible?
Shallum was an Israelite man mentioned in Ezra 10:42 who had married a foreign woman during the time of the Jewish exile's return to Jerusalem. When Ezra convened an assembly to address the problem of intermarriage among the returned exiles, Shallum was identified as one of those who had transgressed God's law by taking a non-Israelite wife. Along with others found guilty of this practice, Shallum made a covenant to divorce his foreign wife and separate from his children born to her, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the religious and ethnic purity of the Jewish community. His inclusion in this reform reflects the tension between the practical realities of exile life and the strict religious standards that Ezra sought to enforce among the restored community.
Biography
Shallum, mentioned in Ezr.10.42, was one of the Israelites who had married a foreign woman during the time of Ezra. When Ezra called for a assembly to address the issue of intermarriage among the returned exiles, Shallum was among those found guilty of this transgression. As part of the solution to this problem, Shallum, along with the others who had taken foreign wives, made a covenant to put away their wives and children. This action was taken to demonstrate their commitment to following God's law and maintaining the purity of the Israelite community. The text does not provide any further information about Shallum's background, profession, or specific family situation.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 10:42
"Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שַׁלּוּם |