Shallum שַׁלּוּם
Uncle of Jeremiah the prophet
Who is Shallum in the Bible?
Shallum was the uncle of the prophet Jeremiah, mentioned in Jeremiah 32:7 as the father of Hanamel. During King Zedekiah's reign, while Jeremiah was imprisoned in the court of the guard, Hanamel (Shallum's son) approached the prophet with an offer to sell a field in Anathoth, their hometown. The Lord had previously revealed to Jeremiah that this offer would come, and Jeremiah recognized it as a divine sign. By purchasing the field through proper legal procedures, Jeremiah performed a prophetic act symbolizing God's promise that the Israelites would reclaim their land after the Babylonian exile. Shallum's role in this account, though brief, illustrates how God worked through family relationships to communicate hope and restoration during a time of national judgment.
Biography
Shallum, mentioned in Jer.32.7, was the uncle of the prophet Jeremiah. He is identified as the father of Hanamel, who approached Jeremiah with an offer to buy a field in Anathoth, Jeremiah's hometown. This encounter occurred while Jeremiah was imprisoned in the court of the guard during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah. The Lord had revealed to Jeremiah that Hanamel would come to him with this offer, and Jeremiah recognized it as a sign from God. Jeremiah purchased the field from Hanamel, following the proper legal procedures, as a symbol of God's promise that the Israelites would once again possess the land after the Babylonian exile. Shallum's mention in this context highlights the family connection between Jeremiah and Hanamel and provides the background for this prophetic act.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJeremiah 1 verse
- Jeremiah 32:7
"Behold! Hanamel, the son of your uncle Shallum, is coming to you to say, ‘Buy for yourself my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.’"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שַׁלּוּם |