Sheshan
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Sheshan is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. His account is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Chronicles. Sheshan is noted for his unique familial situation and his role in the lineage of Judah, which holds significant importance in biblical history.

Genealogical Context

Sheshan appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 2, which details the descendants of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The genealogies in this chapter trace the lineage from Judah through his son Perez, highlighting the prominent families and individuals within the tribe. Sheshan is a descendant of Jerahmeel, who is a great-grandson of Judah.

Biblical Reference

The primary reference to Sheshan is found in 1 Chronicles 2:31-34:

"Now the sons of Appaim: Ishi. The son of Ishi: Sheshan. And Sheshan had no sons, only daughters. But Sheshan had an Egyptian servant named Jarha. Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore him Attai."

Significance

Sheshan's mention in the genealogies is notable for a few reasons. Firstly, he is recorded as having no sons, which was an unusual and significant detail in the patriarchal society of ancient Israel. The absence of male heirs would typically pose a challenge for the continuation of a family line. However, Sheshan's decision to give his daughter in marriage to his Egyptian servant, Jarha, is a remarkable solution that ensures the continuation of his lineage. This act reflects the flexibility within the cultural and legal practices of the time, allowing for the preservation of family heritage through unconventional means.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The marriage of Sheshan's daughter to Jarha, an Egyptian servant, also highlights the interactions and relationships between Israelites and foreigners. While the Israelites were often cautioned against intermarrying with surrounding nations to maintain religious and cultural purity, this instance demonstrates a pragmatic approach to familial and social challenges. It underscores the theme of God's providence in preserving the lineage of His people, even through unexpected and non-traditional means.

Furthermore, Sheshan's account contributes to the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to the tribe of Judah. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to affirm the continuity of God's promises to His people, tracing the lineage that would ultimately lead to the birth of King David and, according to Christian belief, to Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Conclusion

While Sheshan may not be a prominent figure in biblical history, his inclusion in the genealogies of Judah provides valuable insights into the social and familial dynamics of ancient Israel. His account exemplifies the themes of divine providence, the importance of lineage, and the integration of diverse individuals into the unfolding plan of God for His people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Sheshan

lily; rose; joy; flax

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Sheshan

(Noble), a descendant of Jerahmeel the son of Hezron. (1 Chronicles 2:31,34,35) (B.C. after 1690.)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHESHAN

she'-shan (sheshan; Sosan): A Jerahmeelite whose daughter married his servant Jarha (1 Chronicles 2:31, 34, 35). The genealogical list which follows embraces some very early names (compare Curtis, ICC, at the place).

Strong's Hebrew
8348. Sheshan -- a man of Judah
... 8347, 8348. Sheshan. 8349 . a man of Judah. Transliteration: Sheshan
Phonetic Spelling: (shay-shawn') Short Definition: Sheshan. ...
/hebrew/8348.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Sheshan (3 Occurrences)
...SHESHAN. she'-shan (sheshan; Sosan): A Jerahmeelite whose daughter married his servant
Jarha (1 Chronicles 2:31, 34, 35). ...Sheshan (3 Occurrences). ...
/s/sheshan.htm - 7k

Ahlai (2 Occurrences)
... AHLAI. a'-li ('achlay "O would that!"): (1) A Son of Sheshan (1 Chronicles 2:31)
or according to 1 Chronicles 2:34 a daughter of Sheshan, for here we read: "Now ...
/a/ahlai.htm - 7k

Jarha (2 Occurrences)
... Jarha (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:34 Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters.
Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha. ...
/j/jarha.htm - 7k

Jishi (4 Occurrences)
... Jishi (4 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:31 And the sons of Appaim: Jishi; and the
sons of Jishi: Sheshan; and the sons of Sheshan: Ahlai. (DBY). ...
/j/jishi.htm - 7k

Ishi (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan. The sons
of Sheshan: Ahlai. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/ishi.htm - 9k

Appaim (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan. The sons
of Sheshan: Ahlai. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/appaim.htm - 7k

Attai (4 Occurrences)
... at'-ta-i at'-i `attay, ("timely?"): (1) A son of Jarha, the Egyptian, by a daughter
of Sheshan (1 Chronicles 2:35 f). (2) A Gadite soldier who joined David's ...
/a/attai.htm - 8k

Ap'pa-im (2 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:31 The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan.
The sons of Sheshan: Ahlai. (See RSV). Appaim, Ap'pa-im. Appalled . ...
/a/ap'pa-im.htm - 6k

Egyptian (35 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:34 Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. Sheshan
had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha. (WEB KJV ...
/e/egyptian.htm - 19k

Sheshbazzar (4 Occurrences)

/s/sheshbazzar.htm - 10k

Resources
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Concordance
Sheshan (3 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 2:31
The sons of Appaim: Ishi. The sons of Ishi: Sheshan. The sons of Sheshan: Ahlai.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Chronicles 2:34
Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Chronicles 2:35
Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant as wife; and she bore him Attai.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Sheshan

Sheshan: A Descendant of Jerahmeel

Related Terms

Ahlai (2 Occurrences)

Jarha (2 Occurrences)

Jishi (4 Occurrences)

Ishi (5 Occurrences)

Appaim (2 Occurrences)

Attai (4 Occurrences)

Ap'pa-im (2 Occurrences)

Egyptian (35 Occurrences)

Sheshbazzar (4 Occurrences)

Zabad (8 Occurrences)

Obed (13 Occurrences)

Azariah (47 Occurrences)

Sheshak (1 Occurrence)

Sismai (1 Occurrence)

Beareth (108 Occurrences)

Marriage (74 Occurrences)

Sheshak
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