The Jaminites are a lesser-known group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. They are identified as descendants of Jamin, who was one of the sons of Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. The name "Jamin" itself means "right hand" or "south," which may indicate a position of favor or strength within the tribal structure.

Biblical References

The primary reference to the Jaminites is found in the Book of Numbers, where the census of the Israelites is recorded. In Numbers 26:12, the descendants of Simeon are listed, and Jamin is mentioned as one of the clans: "The descendants of Simeon by their clans were: through Nemuel, the Nemuelite clan; through Jamin, the Jaminite clan; through Jachin, the Jachinite clan" . This passage highlights the Jaminites as one of the constituent families within the tribe of Simeon.

Tribal Context

The tribe of Simeon, to which the Jaminites belonged, was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe's inheritance was located in the southern part of the Promised Land, within the territory of Judah, as described in Joshua 19:1-9. This geographical placement aligns with the meaning of Jamin's name, suggesting a southern association.

The tribe of Simeon, including the Jaminites, played a role in the early history of Israel, although they are not as prominently featured as some of the other tribes. The tribe's integration into the territory of Judah led to a blending of identities over time, which may explain the limited mention of the Jaminites in later biblical narratives.

Historical and Theological Significance

The Jaminites, as part of the tribe of Simeon, contribute to the broader understanding of Israel's tribal system and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. Each tribe, including Simeon, had a unique role in the unfolding of Israel's history and the establishment of the nation in the land of Canaan.

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Jaminites in the genealogical records underscores the importance of every family and clan in the covenant community of Israel. It reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people, as He preserved and multiplied the descendants of Jacob according to His promises.

Cultural and Social Aspects

The Jaminites, like other clans within the tribes of Israel, would have participated in the communal and religious life of the nation. This included adherence to the Mosaic Law, participation in the annual feasts, and involvement in the sacrificial system centered around the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem.

The genealogical records, including those mentioning the Jaminites, served not only as historical documentation but also as a means of preserving tribal identity and heritage. These records were crucial for maintaining the integrity of the tribal allotments and ensuring the proper distribution of land and resources among the Israelites.

In summary, while the Jaminites are not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, their mention in the genealogical records of Numbers highlights their place within the tribe of Simeon and the broader family of Israel. Their inclusion in Scripture serves as a testament to the comprehensive nature of God's covenant with His people, encompassing all tribes and clans within the nation.JAMINITES

ja'-min-its (ha-yamini, coll. with article): In Numbers 26:12, descendants of Jamin ((1) above).

3228. Yamini -- descendant of Jamin
... of Jamin NASB Word Usage Benjamite* (3), Jaminites (1). Jaminites. Patronymically
from Yamiyn; a Jeminite (collectively) or descendants of Jamin -- Jaminites. ...
/hebrew/3228.htm - 6kJaminites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JAMINITES. ja'-min-its (ha-yamini, coll. with ...
Multi-Version Concordance Jaminites (1 Occurrence). Numbers ...
/j/jaminites.htm - 7k

Ja'minites (1 Occurrence)
Ja'minites. Jaminites, Ja'minites. Jamlech . Multi-Version Concordance Ja'minites
(1 Occurrence). ... Jaminites, Ja'minites. Jamlech . Reference Bible.
/j/ja'minites.htm - 6k

Jaminite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of ...
/j/jaminite.htm - 6k

Nem'uel (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of ...
/n/nem'uel.htm - 7k

Nemuelites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of ...
/n/nemuelites.htm - 7k

Nem'uelites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of ...
/n/nem'uelites.htm - 6k

Nemuelite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of ...
/n/nemuelite.htm - 6k

Nemuel (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of ...
/n/nemuel.htm - 8k

Jakinite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of ...
/j/jakinite.htm - 6k

Jachinite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of ...
/j/jachinite.htm - 6k

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