Who was Hallohesh in the Bible?

Man living at the time of Exile and Return

Hallohesh and Shallum are mentioned in the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. They were individuals living during the time of the Exile and Return of the Israelites.

1. **Hallohesh** – Hallohesh is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:12. He is listed as one of the individuals who participated in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. His name means inflammation or inflamed by fire. While not much else is known about Hallohesh from the biblical text, his participation in the reconstruction of Jerusalem signifies his dedication to the restoration of the city.

2. **Shallum** – Shallum is also mentioned in Nehemiah 3:12. He is described as the son of Hallohesh. Shallum’s name means retribution or repayment. In biblical times, names often carried significant meanings that reflected the circumstances of a person’s life or the hopes surrounding their future.

The book of Nehemiah primarily focuses on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the Israelites’ return from exile in Babylon. The individuals mentioned, including Hallohesh and Shallum, played a role in this important task, demonstrating their commitment to the restoration of their homeland and the worship of God.

From a biblical perspective, the inclusion of these individuals in the biblical narrative highlights the importance of community involvement, faithfulness, and perseverance in the face of challenges. Their actions serve as examples of dedication to God’s purposes and the importance of working together for the greater good.

Ultimately, the stories of Hallohesh and Shallum in Nehemiah serve to remind believers of the faithfulness of God in restoring what has been broken and the significance of each individual’s contribution to the work of God’s kingdom.

References:
– Nehemiah 3:12 – Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.
– Nehemiah 10:24 – The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand—