Topical Encyclopedia
Pallu is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the Israelites. He is recognized as one of the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob and Leah. Pallu's lineage is significant in the context of the tribal organization of Israel, as his descendants formed one of the clans within the tribe of Reuben.
Biblical References:1.
Genesis 46:9 · In the account of Jacob's family moving to Egypt during the time of Joseph, Pallu is listed among the sons of Reuben: "The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi."
2.
Exodus 6:14 · The genealogy of the tribes of Israel is reiterated as part of the narrative leading up to the Exodus: "These were the heads of their families: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben."
3.
Numbers 26:5 · During the census of the Israelites in the wilderness, the descendants of Pallu are specifically mentioned: "Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: the Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu."
4.
1 Chronicles 5:3 · The genealogical records in Chronicles also affirm Pallu's place within the tribe of Reuben: "The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi."
Significance:Pallu's mention in these genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. As a son of Reuben, Pallu's descendants, known as the Palluites, contributed to the population and military strength of the tribe of Reuben. The tribe of Reuben, although the firstborn, did not receive the preeminence typically associated with the firstborn due to Reuben's transgression against his father Jacob (
Genesis 49:3-4). Nevertheless, the tribe maintained its distinct identity and role within the nation of Israel.
The genealogical records serve not only as historical documentation but also as a means of preserving the heritage and promises given to the patriarchs. Pallu's inclusion in these records highlights the continuity of God's covenant with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the fulfillment of His promises to multiply their descendants and establish them as a great nation.
Cultural and Theological Context:In the broader theological context, the genealogies, including the mention of Pallu, reflect the biblical emphasis on God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Each name in the genealogical lists represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive history, leading ultimately to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and to all nations.
Pallu's place in the biblical narrative, though brief, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel and their role in the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Pallumarvelous; hidden
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Pallu(distinguished), the second son of Reuben, father of Eliab, (Isaiah 6:14;Numbers 26:5,8;1 Chronicles 5:3) and founder of the family of Palluites.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Separated, the second son of Reuben (
1 Chronicles 5:3); called Phallu,
Genesis 46:9. He was the father of the Phalluites (
Exodus 6:14;
Numbers 26:5, 8).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PALLU, PALLUITESpal'-u, pal'-u-its (pallu', "distinguished"): A son of Reuben (Genesis 46:9 ("Phallu");Exodus 6:14Numbers 26:5, 81 Chronicles 5:3). Perhaps Peleth ofNumbers 16:1 is the same. Palluites, the patronymic, occurs inNumbers 26:5.
Strong's Hebrew
6396.Pallu -- a son of Reuben... 6395, 6396.
Pallu. 6397 . a son of Reuben. Transliteration:
Pallu Phonetic
Spelling: (pal-loo') Short Definition:
Pallu. Word Origin
...6384.Pallu'iy -- descendant ofPallu
Pallu'iy. 6383, 6384.Pallu'iy. 6384a . descendant ofPallu. Transliteration:
Pallu'iy Phonetic Spelling: (pal-loo-ee') Short Definition: Palluites. Palluites...
6384a. Pallui -- descendant ofPallu
... descendant ofPallu. Transliteration: Pallui Short Definition: Palluites. Word Origin
fromPallu Definition desc. ofPallu NASB Word Usage Palluites (1)....
Library
Chapter xlvi
... his sons: Reuben, Jacob's first-born. And the sons of Reuben: Hanoch and
Pallu and Hezron and Carmi. And the sons of Simeon: Jemuel...
Thesaurus
Pallu (6 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
PALLU, PALLUITES.
...Pallu (6 Occurrences). Genesis
46:9 The sons of Reuben: Hanoch,
Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
...Hanoch (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 46:9 The sons of Reuben: Hanoch,
Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Palluites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaPALLU, PALLUITES. pal'-u, pal'-u-its (pallu',
"distinguished"): A son of Reuben (Genesis 46:9 ("Phallu...
Carmi (8 Occurrences)
... Carmi (8 Occurrences). Genesis 46:9 The sons of Reuben: Hanoch,Pallu, Hezron,
and Carmi. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Hezron (19 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Genesis 46:9 The sons of Reuben: Hanoch,Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Genesis...
Israel's (72 Occurrences)
... Exodus 6:14 These are the heads of their fathers' houses: the sons of Reuben
the first-born of Israel: Hanoch, andPallu, Hezron, and Carmi....
Eliab (20 Occurrences)
... To whom God is father. (1.) A Reubenite, son ofPallu (Numbers 16:1, 12;
26:8, 9; Deuteronomy 11:6).... Numbers 26:8 The sons ofPallu: Eliab....
Palluite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:5 Reuben, the firstborn of Israel; the sons of Reuben: of Hanoch, the
family of the Hanochites; ofPallu, the family of the Palluites; (Root in WEB...
Oldest (58 Occurrences)
... Exodus 6:14 These are the heads of their fathers' families: the sons of Reuben the
oldest son of Israel: Hanoch andPallu, Hezron and Carmi: these are the...
Phallu (5 Occurrences)
... 9). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PHALLU. fal'-oo (pallu'). SeePALLU.
Multi-Version Concordance Phallu (5 Occurrences). Genesis...
Resources
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