The term "Shuhamite" refers to a descendant or member of the family of Shuham, who is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel. Shuham was a son of Dan, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. The Shuhamites, therefore, are part of the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Shuham and the Shuhamites is found in the Book of Numbers, which details the census of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In Numbers 26:42, the Berean Standard Bible states: "These were the descendants of Dan by their clans: The Shuhamite clan from Shuham. These were the clans of Dan."

This passage is part of a larger census that Moses and Eleazar the priest conducted on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. The census was intended to count the number of men eligible for military service and to organize the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel.

Tribal Significance:

The tribe of Dan, to which the Shuhamites belonged, was one of the smaller tribes in terms of land allocation but played a significant role in the history of Israel. The tribe was known for its warriors and was positioned as a rear guard during the Israelites' wilderness journey (Numbers 10:25).

The Shuhamites, as part of the tribe of Dan, would have shared in the tribal inheritance and responsibilities. The tribe of Dan was initially allocated land in the central coastal region of Canaan, but due to pressure from neighboring peoples, they later migrated to the northern part of the land, where they established the city of Dan (Judges 18).

Cultural and Historical Context:

The genealogical records, such as those mentioning the Shuhamites, serve to emphasize the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. These records were crucial for maintaining the inheritance rights and social structure of the Israelite community.

The Shuhamites, like other clans within the tribes of Israel, would have been expected to uphold the covenantal laws given to Moses and participate in the religious and communal life of the nation. This included observing the feasts, participating in the sacrificial system, and adhering to the moral and ethical teachings of the Torah.

Legacy:

While the Shuhamites are not mentioned frequently in the biblical narrative, their inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the comprehensive nature of God's covenant with Israel, which encompassed all tribes and clans. Each clan, including the Shuhamites, contributed to the collective identity and mission of Israel as God's chosen people.

The Shuhamites, as part of the tribe of Dan, are a testament to the diverse yet unified nature of the Israelite nation, bound together by their shared history, faith, and purpose as outlined in the Scriptures.Shuhamite (2 Occurrences)

Numbers 26:42
These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Numbers 26:43
All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those who were numbered of them, were sixty-four thousand four hundred.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Shuhamite (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shuhamite (2 Occurrences). Numbers 26:42 These are the
sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. ...
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Shuhamites (2 Occurrences)

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Shuham (1 Occurrence)

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