The Shushanchites are a group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Levitical families. The name "Shushanchites" is derived from the Hebrew word "Shushan," which means "lily" or "lily-like." This term is associated with the descendants of a particular family or clan within the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for specific roles in the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Shushanchites is found in 1 Chronicles 26:16, where they are listed among the gatekeepers of the Temple. The passage reads: "For Shuppim and Hosah, the lot came out for the West Gate, with the Shalleketh Gate on the ascending highway. Guard corresponded to guard." . Although the term "Shushanchites" is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is understood that they are part of the broader Levitical family groups responsible for the Temple's security and order.

Role and Function:

The Shushanchites, as part of the Levitical order, were tasked with duties that were crucial for the maintenance and sanctity of the Temple. The Levites, including the Shushanchites, were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people (Numbers 18:20-24). The Shushanchites, specifically, were involved in the gatekeeping duties, which were essential for controlling access to the sacred spaces of the Temple and ensuring that the worship practices were conducted in accordance with the Law of Moses.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The Shushanchites, like other Levitical families, played a vital role in the religious life of Israel. Their service in the Temple was a constant reminder of the holiness required by God and the need for order and reverence in worship. The gatekeepers, including the Shushanchites, were responsible for maintaining the purity of the Temple by regulating who could enter and ensuring that all who came to worship did so in a manner that was pleasing to God.

Theologically, the role of the Shushanchites underscores the importance of service and dedication in the life of faith. Their commitment to their duties, often performed without recognition or acclaim, highlights the biblical principle that all service to God, no matter how seemingly mundane, is valuable and significant in His sight.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, gatekeepers held positions of trust and responsibility. They were not only guards but also administrators who managed the flow of people and goods. This cultural understanding adds depth to the biblical portrayal of the Shushanchites, emphasizing their role in safeguarding the sanctity of the Temple and facilitating the worship of Yahweh.

In summary, the Shushanchites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, represent a crucial component of the Levitical service. Their dedication to their duties as gatekeepers reflects the broader Levitical commitment to upholding the worship and laws of God, serving as a model of faithfulness and devotion for all believers.SHUSHANCHITES

shoo-shan'-kits (shushanekhaye' (Aramaic); Codex Vaticanus Sousunachaioi; the King James Version Susanchites): Colonists in Samaria whose original home was in Shushan (Ezra 4:9).

Shushanchites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHUSHANCHITES. shoo-shan'-kits ... 9).
Multi-Version Concordance Shushanchites (1 Occurrence). Ezra 4 ...
/s/shushanchites.htm - 7k

Lesser (7 Occurrences)
... of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites ...
/l/lesser.htm - 8k

Tarpelites (1 Occurrence)
... of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites ...
/t/tarpelites.htm - 7k

Rehum (8 Occurrences)
... of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites ...
/r/rehum.htm - 10k

Dinaites (1 Occurrence)
... of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites ...
/d/dinaites.htm - 7k

Dehites (1 Occurrence)
... of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites ...
/d/dehites.htm - 6k

Dehaites (1 Occurrence)
... of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites ...
/d/dehaites.htm - 7k

Dinites (1 Occurrence)
... of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites ...
/d/dinites.htm - 6k

Babylonians (48 Occurrences)
... of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites ...
/b/babylonians.htm - 22k

Colleagues (8 Occurrences)
... of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites ...
/c/colleagues.htm - 8k

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