Hodesh is a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribe of Benjamin. The name "Hodesh" is derived from the Hebrew word "חֹדֶשׁ" (ḥōḏeš), which means "new moon" or "month," indicating a possible connection to the lunar calendar or a symbolic representation of renewal.

Biblical Reference:

Hodesh is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:8-9, which provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Benjamin. The passage reads:

"Shaharaim had sons in the country of Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara. By his wife Hodesh he had Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sakia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of families." (1 Chronicles 8:8-9)

In this context, Hodesh is identified as one of the wives of Shaharaim, a Benjamite. The passage highlights her role as the mother of several sons, who are noted as heads of families, indicating their significance within the tribal structure.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The mention of Hodesh in the genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and family heritage in ancient Israelite society. Genealogies served not only as a means of preserving family history but also as a way to establish tribal identity and inheritance rights. The inclusion of Hodesh and her sons in the record reflects the broader narrative of the tribe of Benjamin and its place within the nation of Israel.

The reference to Shaharaim having sons in Moab suggests a period of residence or interaction with the Moabites, a neighboring people often in conflict with Israel. This detail may indicate a time of exile or intermarriage, which was not uncommon in the complex socio-political landscape of the ancient Near East.

Theological Significance:

While Hodesh is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, her mention in the genealogical record contributes to the overarching theme of God's providence and faithfulness in preserving the tribes of Israel. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the chain of God's covenant people, through whom He would ultimately bring about His redemptive purposes.

The name "Hodesh," meaning "new moon" or "month," may also carry symbolic significance. In the Hebrew calendar, the new moon marked the beginning of a new month and was often associated with renewal and new beginnings. This symbolism could reflect the hope of renewal and continuity for the tribe of Benjamin, even amidst challenges and changes.

Conclusion:

Hodesh, though briefly mentioned, is part of the rich tapestry of biblical genealogy that underscores the continuity of God's people and His unfolding plan throughout history. Her inclusion in the record of Benjamin highlights the importance of family and tribal identity in the biblical narrative.Hodesh

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Hodesh

(new moon), a woman named in the genealogies of Benjamin, (1 Chronicles 8:9) as the wife of Shaharaim.

HODESH

ho'-desh (chodhesh, "new moon"): One of the wives of Shaharaim, a Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:9).

2321. Chodesh -- an Israelite woman
... Chodesh. 2322 . an Israelite woman. Transliteration: Chodesh Phonetic Spelling:
(kho'-desh) Short Definition: Hodesh. ... woman NASB Word Usage Hodesh (1). Hodesh. ...
/hebrew/2321.htm - 6kHodesh (1 Occurrence)
...HODESH. ho'-desh (chodhesh, "new moon"): One of the wives of Shaharaim, a Benjamite
(1 Chronicles 8:9). Multi-Version Concordance Hodesh (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/hodesh.htm - 6k

Mesha (4 Occurrences)
... (2) (mesha'; Codex Vaticanus, Misa; Codex Alexandrinus, Mosa): A Benjamite, son
of Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh, born in the land of Moab (1 Chronicles 8:9). (3 ...
/m/mesha.htm - 12k

Zibia (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 8:9 He became the father of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and
Mesha, and Malcam, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/z/zibia.htm - 7k

Zib'ia (1 Occurrence)
... Zib'ia (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:9 he begot of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and
Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcam; (See RSV). Zibia, Zib'ia. Zibiah . ...
/z/zib'i-a.htm - 6k

Jobab (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 8:9 He became the father of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and
Mesha, and Malcam, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/jobab.htm - 10k

Malcham (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Malcham (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 8:9 And he begat
of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham, (KJV DBY WBS YLT) ...
/m/malcham.htm - 6k

Malcam (6 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). 1 Chronicles 8:9 He became the father of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and
Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcam, (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV). ...
/m/malcam.htm - 9k

Shahapaim
... restorations of 1 Chronicles 8:8, 9 reads: "And Shaharaim begat in the field of
Moab, after he had driven them (ie the Moabites) out, from Hodesh his wife ...
/s/shahapaim.htm - 6k

Begetteth (52 Occurrences)
... Ahitub, (YLT). 1 Chronicles 8:9 And he begetteth of Hodesh his wife, Jobab,
and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham, (YLT). 1 Chronicles ...
/b/begetteth.htm - 19k

Hodeiah (1 Occurrence)

/h/hodeiah.htm - 6k

What was the significance of the new moon in Bible times? | GotQuestions.org

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