Jibsam is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Issachar. He is identified as one of the sons of Tola, who was a descendant of Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The name "Jibsam" appears in the context of the chronicling of the tribes of Israel, specifically in the book of 1 Chronicles.

Biblical Reference:

Jibsam is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:1-2, which provides a record of the descendants of Issachar. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four in all. The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Samuel, the heads of their families. During the reign of David, the descendants of Tola numbered 22,600 mighty warriors in their genealogies."

In this passage, Jibsam is listed among the sons of Tola, who were recognized as leaders of their families. The genealogical record highlights the strength and valor of Tola's descendants, noting their significant number during the reign of King David. This suggests that Jibsam, along with his brothers, was part of a lineage known for its military prowess and leadership within the tribe of Issachar.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The tribe of Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, each descending from one of the sons of Jacob. Issachar's descendants were known for their wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32, which describes the men of Issachar as having "understanding of the times, to know what Israel should do." This characteristic may have been reflected in the leadership qualities of Tola's sons, including Jibsam.

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the heritage and tribal affiliations of the Israelites, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people through their ancestral lines. The mention of Jibsam and his brothers underscores the importance of family lineage and the role of each tribe in the collective identity of Israel.

Name Meaning and Significance:

The name "Jibsam" is of Hebrew origin, though its exact meaning is not definitively known. In biblical times, names often held significant meaning, reflecting personal attributes, familial heritage, or divine purpose. While the specific meaning of Jibsam's name is not recorded, his inclusion in the genealogical record signifies his role within the tribe of Issachar and the broader narrative of Israel's history.

Role in the Tribe of Issachar:

As a son of Tola, Jibsam would have been part of the leadership structure within the tribe of Issachar. The chronicler's emphasis on the number of "mighty warriors" during David's reign suggests that Jibsam and his family were integral to the military and social organization of the tribe. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's provision and protection for Israel through strong and capable leaders.

In summary, Jibsam, as a son of Tola, represents a link in the chain of Israel's tribal history, contributing to the legacy of the tribe of Issachar. His mention in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of family lineage and the enduring strength of the Israelite tribes during the united monarchy under King David.1 Chronicles 7:2
And the sons of Tola; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their father's house, to wit, of Tola: they were valiant men of might in their generations; whose number was in the days of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred.
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