Jaalam is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies that trace the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. His name, which may mean "concealed" or "hidden," is found in the context of the Edomite lineage, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4).

Biblical References:

Jaalam is first introduced in the Book of Genesis. He is listed as one of the sons of Esau, the patriarch of the Edomites. The relevant passage is found in Genesis 36:5, where it states: "And Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan."

Further mention of Jaalam occurs in the genealogical records of Esau's descendants, which are reiterated in Genesis 36:14 and 36:18. These passages emphasize the establishment of Esau's family and their significance as leaders and tribal chiefs within the region of Edom. Genesis 36:18 states: "These are the sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, and chief Korah. These are the chiefs descended from Esau’s wife Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah."

Historical and Theological Context:

Jaalam's inclusion in the genealogies of Genesis underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. As a descendant of Esau, Jaalam is part of the broader account of the Edomites, a people who played a significant role in the history of Israel. The Edomites, though related to the Israelites through Esau, often found themselves in conflict with the descendants of Jacob, highlighting the complex relationships between the nations that descended from Abraham.

Theologically, Jaalam's mention serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite Esau's departure from the covenantal line that would lead to the Messiah, God still honored His word to Abraham by making Esau a father of nations. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to work through various lineages and peoples to accomplish His divine purposes.

Cultural and Genealogical Significance:

In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and social status. Jaalam, as a chief among the Edomites, would have held a position of authority and influence within his community. The title of "chief" indicates a leadership role, suggesting that Jaalam was a person of considerable importance in the tribal structure of Edom.

The genealogical records in which Jaalam appears also serve to connect the narrative of Genesis with the broader history of the region. By tracing the descendants of Esau, the Bible provides a framework for understanding the relationships and tensions between the Israelites and their neighboring nations, including the Edomites.

Conclusion:

While Jaalam is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogies of Genesis highlights the intricate tapestry of relationships and lineages that form the backdrop of the Old Testament. Through figures like Jaalam, the Bible illustrates the unfolding of God's plan across generations, emphasizing themes of promise, heritage, and divine sovereignty.Jaalam

hidden; young man; heir

Jaalam

(whom God hides), a son of Esau, (Genesis 36:5,14,18) comp. 1Chr 1:35 And a head of a tribe of Edom. (B.C. 1790.).

Concealer, the second of Esau's three sons by Aholibamah (Genesis 36:5, 14). JAALAM

ja'-a-lam: the King James Version for JALAM (which see).

Jaalam (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JAALAM. ja'-a-lam: the King James Version for
JALAM (which see). Multi-Version Concordance Jaalam (4 Occurrences). ...
/j/jaalam.htm - 7k

Aholibamah (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:5 And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons
of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/a/aholibamah.htm - 9k

Bare (250 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:5 And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons
of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan. (KJV ASV). ...
/b/bare.htm - 35k

Jaan (1 Occurrence)

/j/jaan.htm - 6k

Jalam (4 Occurrences)
... from `alam, meaning "to conceal"; according to Gunkel, Gen3, 390, from ya`el,
"mountain-goat"; see HPN, 90, note 5; King James Version Jaalam): In Genesis 36: ...
/j/jalam.htm - 8k

Ja'alah (1 Occurrence)
Ja'alah. Jaalah, Ja'alah. Jaalam . ... Ezra 2:56 the children of Jaalah, the children
of Darkon, the children of Giddel, (See RSV). Jaalah, Ja'alah. Jaalam > ...
/j/ja'alah.htm - 6k

Duke (14 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:18 And these are the sons of Aholibamah Esau's wife; duke Jeush, duke
Jaalam, duke Korah: these were the dukes that came of Aholibamah the daughter ...
/d/duke.htm - 13k

Dukes (14 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:18 And these are the sons of Aholibamah Esau's wife; duke Jeush, duke
Jaalam, duke Korah: these were the dukes that came of Aholibamah the daughter ...
/d/dukes.htm - 10k

Beareth (108 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:14 And these have been the sons of Aholibamah daughter of Anah, daughter
of Zibeon, wife of Esau; and she beareth to Esau, Jeush and Jaalam and Korah ...
/b/beareth.htm - 34k

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