Interesting Facts

• One of the sons of Dan is named Hushim, also spelled Chushim.
• According to one source, the sons of Dan, including Hushim, died in the year they entered Egypt, leaving only Hushim. Another source contradicts this by detailing Chushim’s actions later.
• Chushim, the son of Dan, is described as being dumb and deaf yet understanding the commotion surrounding Jacob’s burial.
• Despite his disabilities, Chushim played a significant role in preventing Esau from obstructing Jacob’s burial by slaying Esau and cutting off his head.

Genealogy

• Hushim (or Chushim) is the son of Dan, who was one of the sons of Jacob.
• Through his father Dan, Hushim is a grandson of Jacob and a nephew of Joseph and his brothers.
• The sources do not explicitly mention Hushim having any wives or children of his own.
• One source suggests that Dan had other sons named Samon, Asudi, and ‘Ijaka, and Salomon, who died, leaving Hushim alone.

Historical Context

The narrative surrounding Hushim/Chushim occurs in the context of Jacob’s death and burial in Canaan, after Jacob and his sons had settled in Egypt. The conflict with Esau over the burial site highlights the ongoing tensions and disputes between the descendants of Jacob and Esau. Chushim’s intervention takes place at a critical moment of potential violence and obstruction, underscoring the importance of securing the ancestral burial place. The detail that Chushim was dumb and deaf provides a unique perspective on how individuals with disabilities were portrayed and could still significantly impact events within this historical context. His lack of conventional communication did not prevent him from understanding the situation and taking decisive action.

Narrative

Hushim’s (or Chushim’s) primary narrative function within the provided sources revolves around the burial of his grandfather Jacob. When Esau and his sons attempted to prevent the burial in the cave at Kireath-arba, a heated dispute arose. While the conflict escalated, Chushim, despite being described as dumb and deaf, perceived the “voice of consternation”. Upon learning the cause of the disturbance—Esau’s opposition to the burial—Chushim took swift and violent action. He ran to Esau in the midst of the confrontation, slew him with a sword, and severed his head. This decisive act by Chushim allowed Jacob’s sons to proceed with the burial by force, demonstrating his unexpected agency and strength in a critical moment. His action is portrayed as instrumental in resolving the immediate conflict and ensuring Jacob’s final resting place. The narrative highlights that even those who might be considered marginalized due to physical limitations could play a pivotal role in the unfolding of events within this ancestral history.