Interesting Facts

• Shillem is listed as a son of Naphtali.
• He was among those of Jacob’s household who journeyed to Egypt.
• The spelling of his name varies, appearing as Shillem and Shilam.

Genealogy

• Shillem’s father was Naphtali, a son of Jacob and Bilhah.
• His mother was Rasu’u (also known as Merimah), of Mesopotamia (based on Jubilees 34:20h).
• His brothers, according to the sources, were Jahzeel (or Jachzeel/Jahziel), Guni, and Jezer (or Jetzer).

Historical Context

Shillem’s life, as documented in these texts, falls within the significant period of the descent of Jacob’s family into Egypt due to a severe famine in Canaan. As a son of Naphtali, Shillem would have been part of this migration, a pivotal event that shaped the early history of the Israelites. He would have entered Egypt with his father and brothers, finding refuge and sustenance under the governance of Joseph. This transition involved adapting to Egyptian customs and society while maintaining their Hebrew identity and familial bonds. The initial period in Egypt, particularly during Joseph’s lifetime, is portrayed as one of security and fruitfulness for Jacob’s descendants. Shillem’s experiences would have been intertwined with this broader narrative of his family’s sojourn in a foreign land.

Narrative

The narrative surrounding Shillem in these selected sources is primarily genealogical. He is mentioned in the lists of Jacob’s descendants who came to Egypt. His presence in these enumerations signifies his participation in the crucial migration that brought the children of Israel to Egypt, where they would later grow into a great nation before their eventual exodus. While the texts do not provide specific details regarding Shillem’s individual actions, dialogues, or personal experiences, his inclusion in these ancestral records underscores his role as a member of the nascent Israelite community in Egypt. He is part of the lineage that contributed to the formation of the twelve tribes, and his existence is noted as part of the fulfillment of the divine promises concerning the multiplication of Jacob’s seed. Thus, Shillem’s story, though lacking in personal anecdotes within these sources, is an integral thread in the larger tapestry of the early Israelite narrative in Egypt.