Topical Encyclopedia
Ulam is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. His name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Chronicles. Ulam is noted for his lineage and the valor of his descendants, which is a testament to the strength and prominence of his family within the tribe of Benjamin.
Genealogy and FamilyUlam is identified as a descendant of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. In
1 Chronicles 8:39-40, Ulam is listed as the son of Eshek, who is a descendant of King Saul's family line. The passage states: "The sons of Eshek: Ulam was his firstborn, Jeush second, and Eliphelet third. The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and they had many sons and grandsons—150 in all. All these were the sons of Benjamin" .
This genealogical record highlights Ulam as the firstborn of Eshek, emphasizing the importance of his position within the family. The mention of his descendants as "mighty men of valor" and "archers" suggests that Ulam's lineage was known for their military prowess and skill in warfare, which was a valued trait in the tribal society of ancient Israel.
Cultural and Historical ContextThe tribe of Benjamin held a significant role in the history of Israel. As one of the twelve tribes, Benjamin was known for its warriors and played a crucial part in various military campaigns. The reference to Ulam's descendants as "mighty men of valor" aligns with the broader narrative of the tribe's martial reputation.
In the context of the post-exilic period, when the genealogies in Chronicles were compiled, there was a renewed interest in tribal identities and the restoration of Israel's heritage. The chronicler's emphasis on the valor and numerous descendants of Ulam serves to reinforce the strength and continuity of the tribe of Benjamin, even after the Babylonian exile.
Theological SignificanceFrom a theological perspective, the mention of Ulam and his descendants underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. The chronicler's attention to genealogies reflects the belief in God's providential care over Israel's history and the fulfillment of His promises through specific family lines.
Ulam's inclusion in the genealogical record also highlights the theme of divine blessing through progeny. The large number of sons and grandsons attributed to Ulam signifies God's favor and the perpetuation of his family line, which is a recurring motif in the Old Testament.
ConclusionWhile Ulam may not be a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his mention in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the tribe of Benjamin. His descendants' reputation as "mighty men of valor" reflects the broader themes of strength, heritage, and divine blessing that permeate the biblical text.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Ulamthe porch; the court; their strength; their folly
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Ulam(porch).
- A descendant of Gilead, the grandson of Manasseh and father of Bedan. (1 Chronicles 7:17) (B.C. 1450.)
- The first-born of Eshek, a descendant of the house of Saul. (1 Chronicles 8:39,40) (B.C. 588.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ULAMu'-lam ('ulam, "preceding"):
(1) A "son"of Peresh; a Manassite clan (1 Chronicles 7:16, 17). Lucian reads Elam.
(2) A descendant of Benjamin who had sons, "mighty men of valor" (1 Chronicles 8:39, 40). The Septuagint's Codex Vaticanus has Ailam in1 Chronicles 8:39 and Aileim in 8:40; Codex Alexandrinus has Oulam in both verses, and so Lucian.
Strong's Hebrew
198.Ulam -- two Israelites... 197, 198.
Ulam. 199 . two Israelites. Transliteration:
Ulam Phonetic Spelling:
(oo-lawm') Short Definition:
Ulam.
... NASB Word Usage
Ulam (4).
Ulam.
...197.ulam -- a porch
... 196, 197.ulam. 198 . a porch. Transliteration:ulam Phonetic Spelling:
(oo-lawm') Short Definition: porch.... 196, 197.ulam. 198 . Strong's Numbers.
199.ulam -- but, but indeed
... 198, 199.ulam. 200 . but, but indeed. Transliteration:ulam Phonetic Spelling:
(oo-lawm') Short Definition: however.... 198, 199.ulam. 200 . Strong's Numbers
352b. ayil -- a projecting pillar or pilaster
... Word Origin from the same asulam Definition a projecting pillar or pilaster NASB
Word Usage lintel (1), side pillar (4), side pillars (17). 352a, 352b....
354. ayyal -- a hart, stag, deer
... Definition: deer. Word Origin from the same asulam Definition a hart, stag,
deer NASB Word Usage deer (8), stag (3). hart. An intensive...
352c. ayil -- a leader, chief
... Word Origin from the same asulam Definition a leader, chief NASB Word Usage despot
(1), leaders (1), mighty (2), ram (1). 352b, 352c. ayil. 352d ....
352a. ayil -- a ram
... a ram. Transliteration: ayil Short Definition: ram. Word Origin from the same as
ulam Definition a ram NASB Word Usage ram (87), ram's (1), rams (60), rams' (6)...
352d. ayil -- a terebinth
... a terebinth. Transliteration: ayil Short Definition: oaks. Word Origin from the
same asulam Definition a terebinth NASB Word Usage oaks (3). 352c, 352d....
Library
The Temptation of Jesus
... It certainly formed the watch-post of the Priest. Possibly it may have been the
extreme corner of the wing-like' porch, orulam, which led into the Sanctuary....
Thesaurus
Ulam (4 Occurrences)...ULAM. u'-lam ('
ulam, "preceding"): (1) A "son"of Peresh; a Manassite clan (1
Chronicles 7:16, 17). Lucian reads Elam.
...Ulam (4 Occurrences).
...Bedan (2 Occurrences)
... (2) A son ofUlam of the house of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 7:17). Multi-Version
Concordance Bedan (2 Occurrences).... 1 Chronicles 7:17 The sons ofUlam: Bedan....
Machir (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:16 Maacah the wife of Machir bore a son, and she named him Peresh;
and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons wereUlam and Rakem....
Ulcer (8 Occurrences)
150 (1 Occurrence)
... 150 (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:40 The sons ofUlam were mighty men of valor,
archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, one hundred fifty....
U'lai (2 Occurrences)
U'lai. Ulai, U'lai.Ulam . Multi-Version Concordance U'lai (2 Occurrences).
Daniel... vision. (See RSV). Ulai, U'lai.Ulam . Reference Bible.
Je'ush (9 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 8:39 The sons of Eshek his brother:Ulam his firstborn,
Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. (See RSV)....
Jehush (1 Occurrence)
... Jehush (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:39 And the sons of Eshek his brother were,
Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third. (KJV WBS YLT)....
Jeush (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 8:39 The sons of Eshek his
brother:Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third....
Grandsons (9 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 8:40 The sons ofUlam were mighty men of valor,
archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, one hundred fifty....
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