The Shuthelahites are a biblical clan mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel. They are descendants of Shuthelah, who was the son of Ephraim, the son of Joseph, one of the twelve patriarchs of Israel. The lineage of the Shuthelahites is significant in understanding the tribal organization and inheritance of the Promised Land among the Israelites.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Shuthelahites is found in the Book of Numbers, which details the census of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In Numbers 26:35, the text states: "These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: of Shuthelah, the Shuthelahite clan; of Beker, the Bekerite clan; of Tahan, the Tahanite clan." . This passage highlights the Shuthelahites as one of the prominent families within the tribe of Ephraim.

Additionally, the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 7:20-21 provides further insight into the descendants of Shuthelah: "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 native-born men of Gath when they went down to seize their livestock." . This passage not only traces the lineage but also recounts a tragic event involving members of the family.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The Shuthelahites, as part of the tribe of Ephraim, played a role in the broader narrative of Israel's history. Ephraim, being one of the two sons of Joseph, received a special blessing from Jacob, which elevated the tribe's status among the Israelites. The tribe of Ephraim was known for its strength and leadership, often taking a central role in the affairs of the northern kingdom of Israel.

The mention of the Shuthelahites in the census underscores the importance of family and clan identity in the distribution of land and resources. Each clan within a tribe was allocated specific territories, which were to be passed down through generations. This system ensured the preservation of tribal heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land.

From a theological perspective, the Shuthelahites, like other clans, represent the faithfulness of God in maintaining the lineage of His chosen people. Despite the challenges and adversities faced by the Israelites, including the loss of family members as noted in 1 Chronicles, God's covenant with Israel remained steadfast.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies served not only as historical records but also as a means of establishing identity and legitimacy. The Shuthelahites, through their connection to Ephraim and ultimately to Joseph, were part of a larger narrative that emphasized God's providence and the unfolding of His divine plan for Israel.

The Shuthelahites, therefore, are a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel and their role in the biblical account. Their inclusion in the genealogical records highlights the importance of each family unit in the collective history of God's people.SHUTHELAH; SHUTHELAHITES

shoo-the'-la, shoo'-the-la, shoo-the'-la-hits, shoo'-the-la-hits (shuthalchi): A son of Ephraim (Numbers 26:35, 36; compare 1 Chronicles 7:20, 21), and his descendants.

See GENEALOGY.

8364. Shuthalchi -- descendant of Shuthelah
... 8363, 8364. Shuthalchi. 8365 . descendant of Shuthelah. Transliteration:
Shuthalchi Phonetic Spelling: (shoo-thal-kee') Short Definition: Shuthelahites. ...
/hebrew/8364.htm - 6kShuthelahites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHUTHELAH; SHUTHELAHITES. ... See GENEALOGY.
Multi-Version Concordance Shuthelahites (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shuthelahites.htm - 7k

Shuthelah (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHUTHELAH; SHUTHELAHITES. shoo-the'-la,
shoo'-the-la, shoo-the'-la-hits, shoo'-the-la-hits (shuthalchi ...
/s/shuthelah.htm - 8k

Shuthelahite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah,
the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of ...
/s/shuthelahite.htm - 6k

Tahanite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah,
the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of ...
/t/tahanite.htm - 6k

Tahan (2 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah,
the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of ...
/t/tahan.htm - 7k

Tahanites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah,
the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of ...
/t/tahanites.htm - 7k

Bekerite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah,
the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of ...
/b/bekerite.htm - 6k

Beker (4 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah,
the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of ...
/b/beker.htm - 7k

Becher (4 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah,
the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of ...
/b/becher.htm - 8k

Becherites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah,
the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of ...
/b/becherites.htm - 6k

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