Shuthelah: Son of Ephraim
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Shuthelah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament as a descendant of Joseph through his son Ephraim. He is recognized as the progenitor of the Shuthelahite clan within the tribe of Ephraim. His lineage is significant in the context of the Israelite tribes and their genealogies.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 46:20 · While Shuthelah is not directly mentioned in this verse, it provides the context of his ancestry, as it lists the sons of Joseph, Manasseh, and Ephraim, who were born to him in Egypt. Shuthelah is a descendant of Ephraim, one of Joseph's sons.

2. Numbers 26:35-36 · "These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The Shuthelahite clan from Shuthelah, the Bekerite clan from Beker, and the Tahanite clan from Tahan. These were the descendants of Shuthelah: the Eranite clan from Eran." This passage highlights Shuthelah as the head of the Shuthelahite clan, emphasizing his role in the tribal structure of Ephraim.

3. 1 Chronicles 7:20-21 · "The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the men of Gath, who were born in the land, because they went down to steal their livestock." This genealogy provides a more detailed lineage of Shuthelah, tracing his descendants and noting the tragic event involving his family members.

Historical and Theological Context:

Shuthelah's mention in the genealogies underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. The tribe of Ephraim, to which Shuthelah belonged, played a significant role in the history of Israel. Ephraim was one of the leading tribes, often associated with leadership and prominence, particularly in the northern kingdom of Israel.

The genealogical records in the Bible serve not only as historical accounts but also as theological affirmations of God's promises to the patriarchs. The inclusion of Shuthelah in these records reflects the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as their descendants multiplied and formed the twelve tribes of Israel.

Cultural Significance:

In the cultural context of ancient Israel, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations. Shuthelah's lineage would have been significant for the distribution of land and resources among the tribes, as well as for maintaining the continuity of the covenant community.

Legacy:

While specific details about Shuthelah's life and deeds are not extensively documented, his legacy is preserved through the genealogical records and the continuation of his lineage within the tribe of Ephraim. The Shuthelahite clan, as part of the larger Ephraimite tribe, contributed to the collective history and identity of the Israelites.
Nave's Topical Index
Numbers 26:35,36
These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.
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1 Chronicles 7:20
And the sons of Ephraim; Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath his son,
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Library

How it is Said that Jacob Went into Egypt with Seventy-Five Souls ...
... there, too, is he whom Ephraim, Joseph's other son, begot, that is, Shuthelah, grandson
of Joseph, and Shuthelah's son Ezer, grandson of Ephraim, and great ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 40 how it is said.htm

David's Dying Song
... should abound as a tribe with tens of thousands, yet it is recorded in
1:Chron.7:20"22: "And the sons of Ephraim; Shuthelah and Bered his son, and Tahath ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/davids dying song.htm

Turning Back in the Day of Battle
... In the first Book of Chronicles, the seventh chapter and the twentieth verse, you
read:""And the sons of Ephraim, Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tabath ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/turning back in the day.htm

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