Lexical Summary Yerachmeeli: Jerahmeelite Original Word: יְרַחְמְאֵלִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jerahmeelites Patronymically from Yrachm'el; a Jerachmeelite or descendant of Jerachmeel -- Jerahmeelites. see HEBREW Yrachm'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Yerachmeel Definition desc. of Jerahmeel NASB Translation Jerahmeelites (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs יְרַחְמְאֵלִי adjective, of a people (earlier than foregoing; as tribal name before proper name, masculine [For radical view of relations of ׳יְרַח, (with many textual emendations), see CheEncy. Bib. JERACHM.]); — ׳הַיְּר as substantive collective, ׳נֶגֶב היר 1 Samuel 27:10 the Negeb of the Yerahmeelites (in southern Judah), (νότον) Ιεσμεγα, A Ισραμηλει, ᵐ5L Αερμων; ׳עָרֵי היר 1 Samuel 30:29, τοῦ Ισραηλ, A Ιεραμηλει (compare 1 above, and GrayProp. N. 214, 265, 307). II. רחם (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Scriptural Appearances• 1 Samuel 27:10 records David telling Achish that he had raided “the Negev of the Jerahmeelites”. Genealogical Background Jerahmeel was the firstborn son of Hezron of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:9–26). His descendants formed a distinct Judahite clan known as the Jerahmeelites. Their placement within Judah links them to the covenant promises given to that tribe while preserving a unique clan identity that surfaces during David’s wilderness years. Land and Territory of the Jerahmeelites Both occurrences in 1 Samuel associate the Jerahmeelites with the Negev, the arid southern region of Judah extending toward the wilderness of Zin and the Sinai. The text speaks of “cities of the Jerahmeelites,” implying settled communities—likely fortified or at least organized enough to be called “cities” (Hebrew ʿārîm). Their proximity to the Kenites (1 Samuel 30:29) suggests habitation along caravan routes and shared alliances in the southern hill country. Role within the Narrative of David’s Early Reign 1. Safe Haven and Cover Story (1 Samuel 27:10) While living under Philistine oversight in Ziklag, David conducted raids against desert enemies but reported to Achish that the attacks had targeted Judah, Jerahmeel, and the Kenites. Mentioning the Jerahmeelites served David’s strategic goal: convincing Achish that David had alienated himself from his own people, when in reality he was striking common foes of Israel. 2. Participants in Covenant Generosity (1 Samuel 30:29) After rescuing the captives at Ziklag, David sent portions of the spoil “to the cities of the Jerahmeelites.” This act acknowledged previous hospitality the clan had shown him and his men in their fugitive days (cf. 1 Samuel 30:31). By sharing the spoil, David strengthened loyal relationships within Judah and underscored his conviction that victory resources belong to the LORD and His people (1 Samuel 30:23-24). Interplay with Other Judahite Clans The Jerahmeelites appear alongside the Kenites and Calebites, reflecting a network of southern Judah groups with deep ancestral roots (Numbers 24:21; Joshua 15:13). David’s diplomacy with these clans forged unity that later supported his accession to the throne at Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4). Their mention also highlights Judah’s mosaic composition—diverse families woven together by covenant, geography, and shared opposition to common enemies. Theological and Ministry Insights • Covenant Loyalty: David’s outreach to the Jerahmeelites illustrates the biblical pattern of honoring relationships formed in hardship. Ministry today likewise remembers and blesses those who provided support in formative seasons. Relevance for Contemporary Readers The Jerahmeelites remind the church that covenant family extends beyond immediate circles, calling believers to intentional generosity toward those who have shared their burdens. Additionally, their example urges modern disciples to cultivate alliances grounded in shared allegiance to the LORD, confident that He weaves every faithful contribution—no matter how small—into His larger kingdom purposes. Forms and Transliterations הַיְּרַחְמְאֵלִ֔י הַיַּרְחְמְאֵלִ֔י הירחמאלי haiyarchemeeLi haiyerachmeeLi hay·yar·ḥə·mə·’ê·lî hay·yə·raḥ·mə·’ê·lî hayyarḥəmə’êlî hayyəraḥmə’êlîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 27:10 HEB: וְעַל־ נֶ֣גֶב הַיַּרְחְמְאֵלִ֔י וְאֶל־ נֶ֖גֶב NAS: the Negev of the Jerahmeelites and against KJV: and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south INT: and against the Negev of the Jerahmeelites and against the Negev 1 Samuel 30:29 2 Occurrences |
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