The Shuthalhites are a biblical clan mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel. They are identified as descendants of Shuthalah, who was a son of Ephraim, the son of Joseph. The Shuthalhites are part of the larger narrative of the Israelite tribes and their divisions, which are crucial for understanding the distribution of land and the organization of the people of Israel.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Shuthalhites 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 Berean Standard Bible states: "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." This passage highlights the Shuthalhites as one of the clans descending from Ephraim, emphasizing their role in the tribal structure.

Genealogical Context:

The Shuthalhites are part of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the two tribes that descended from Joseph, the favored son of Jacob (Israel). Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, were adopted by Jacob as his own, thus receiving a portion of the inheritance among the tribes of Israel. This adoption is recorded in Genesis 48:5, where Jacob says, "Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are."

Historical and Theological Significance:

The Shuthalhites, as part of the tribe of Ephraim, hold a significant place in the history of Israel. Ephraim was one of the leading tribes in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often representing the entire kingdom in biblical texts. The tribe's prominence is seen in various passages, such as in the blessings of Jacob in Genesis 48:19, where Ephraim is prophesied to become a "multitude of nations."

Theologically, the Shuthalhites, like other clans and tribes, illustrate the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, particularly the promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2). The detailed genealogies and clan divisions underscore the importance of lineage and inheritance in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's covenantal relationship with His people.

Cultural and Social Role:

In the ancient Israelite society, clans like the Shuthalhites played a crucial role in maintaining social structure and identity. They were responsible for various communal functions, including military organization, religious duties, and the administration of justice. The clan system also facilitated the distribution of land, as seen in the allotment of territories in the Book of Joshua.

The Shuthalhites, as part of the Ephraimite tribe, would have participated in these societal roles, contributing to the overall functioning and cohesion of the Israelite community. Their mention in the census underscores their recognized status and the importance of each clan in the broader narrative of Israel's history.The Shuthalhites

[SHUTHELAH]

8364. Shuthalchi -- descendant of Shuthelah
... Shuthalhites. Patronymically from Shuwthelach; a Shuthalchite (collectively) or
descendants of Shuthelach -- Shuthalhites. see HEBREW Shuwthelach. 8363, 8364 ...
/hebrew/8364.htm - 6kThe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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