Lexical Summary shilluchim: Sendings, dismissals, or divorces Original Word: שִׁלּוּחַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance presents, have sent back Or shilluach {shil-loo'-akh}; from shalach; (only in plural) a dismissal, i.e. (of a wife) divorce (especially the document); also (of a daughter) dower -- presents, have sent back. see HEBREW shalach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shalach Definition a sending away, parting gift NASB Translation dowry (1), parting gifts (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שִׁלּוּחִים noun [masculine] plural sending away, parting gift; — 1 אַחר שִׁלוּחֶיהָ Exodus 18:2 (J) after she had been sent away. 2 שִׁלֻּחִים 1 Kings 9:16 he gave (city) as parting gift (i.e. dowry) to his daughter; compare figurative שִׁלּוּחִים Micah 1:14 thou shalt give a pearting gift (= say farewell to, lose) Morešeth of Gath. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope This Hebrew term describes the act or condition of being sent away—whether a person temporarily dismissed, a bride leaving her father’s house, or a town facing judgment. In every context it carries the idea of a decisive separation accompanied by some tangible token or consequence. Occurrences in Scripture • Exodus 18:2 records that Zipporah was returned to Moses “after she had been sent away,” highlighting a temporary dismissal within family life. Historical and Cultural Insights In the Ancient Near East, a bride’s departure was marked by substantial gifts from her father. Pharaoh’s dowry of an entire city illustrates royal scale but reflects a common custom. Likewise, parting gifts in Micah echo the same social expectation, though here the “gift” is extracted under duress, turning a joyful practice into an ominous sign of loss. Zipporah’s earlier dismissal suggests that even within covenant families temporary separations could be formalized by recognizable cultural patterns. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Faithfulness and Separation Each reference exposes tensions within covenant relationships—family, political alliance, or national loyalty. The “sending away” never abolishes covenant obligations; rather, it tests fidelity. Moses still reunites with Zipporah; Solomon inherits Gezer through marriage bonds; Judah’s forced offerings underscore broken faith with the LORD. 2. Gifts at Transition Points Scripture consistently links gifts with moments of departure (Genesis 24:53; Luke 15:22). Shilluach reminds readers that God’s people give and receive tangible signs of commitment when seasons change. 3. Divine Judgment and Mercy Micah reframes the customary farewell gift as an act of judgment, showing how God can transform cultural norms into vehicles of prophetic warning. Yet even judgment contains a redemptive call, urging repentance before a final “sending away” into exile. Implications for Ministry • Marriage and Family Counseling: The term underscores the seriousness of transitions. Counselors can encourage couples and families to mark significant changes with intentional blessings rather than casual good-byes. Connections in Redemptive History The ultimate “sending” is Christ, whom the Father “sent into the world” (John 3:17). His departure at the Ascension is matched by the Father’s “gift” of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7), transforming the idea of shilluach from mere farewell into empowerment. Likewise, the church awaits the Lord’s return when every painful parting will be reversed (Revelation 21:3-4). Related Concepts Dowry, dismissal, exile, commissioning, covenant gifts Forms and Transliterations שִׁלֻּחִ֔ים שִׁלּוּחִ֔ים שִׁלּוּחֶֽיהָ׃ שלוחיה׃ שלוחים שלחים shilluCheiha shilluChim šil·lū·ḥe·hā šil·lu·ḥîm šil·lū·ḥîm šillūḥehā šilluḥîm šillūḥîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 18:2 HEB: מֹשֶׁ֑ה אַחַ֖ר שִׁלּוּחֶֽיהָ׃ KJV: wife, after he had sent her back, INT: Moses' after her back 1 Kings 9:16 Micah 1:14 3 Occurrences |
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