Original Word: כִּסְלוֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Kiclown
Pronunciation: kis-LOHN
Phonetic Spelling: (kis-lone')
KJV: Chislon
NASB: Chislon
Word Origin: [from H3688 (כָּסַל - foolish)]

1. hopeful
2. Kislon, an Israelite

Chislon

From kacal; hopeful; Kislon, an Israelite -- Chislon.

see HEBREW kacal

Word Origin
from kasal
Definition
a Benjamite
NASB Translation
Chislon (1).

כִּסְלוֺן proper name, masculine a prince of Benjamin Numbers 34:21.

Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context

Numbers 34:21 records the only mention of this Benjamite patriarch: “Elidad son of Chislon”. The verse stands in a list of twelve tribal representatives appointed by Moses to oversee the allotment of Canaan. The inclusion of the father’s name serves both to identify the leader precisely and to anchor the family within Israel’s covenant story.

Historical Background

The scene unfolds on the plains of Moab, shortly before Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land (circa 1406 BC). Moses, under divine directive, establishes a leadership structure to ensure an orderly distribution of the inheritance (Numbers 34:13-29). By naming each tribal leader along with his lineage, Scripture affirms the continuity of God’s promise first given to Abraham and reiterated through Jacob’s blessings on his sons (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 49:27).

Role within Tribal Administration

Although Chislon himself is not described as a tribal official, the standing of his son indicates that his household possessed recognized influence among Benjamites. Within Ancient Near Eastern culture, fathers conferred not only genealogical identity but also social standing. Thus Chislon’s integrity and reputation indirectly supported the authority of Elidad in performing a weighty national task.

Genealogical Significance for the Tribe of Benjamin

Benjamin, the youngest of Jacob, consistently appears in Scripture with themes of resilience and strategic importance (Judges 20; 1 Samuel 9). The presence of a trustworthy leader from this tribe at a pivotal moment in Israel’s settlement underscores God’s preservation of every tribe for the sake of covenant unity. Chislon’s household contributes to the unfolding narrative that would later include Saul, Esther, and the Apostle Paul.

Theological and Spiritual Lessons

1. Covenant Faithfulness across Generations – The single reference to Chislon reminds readers that even obscured individuals stand within God’s redemptive chain.
2. The Quiet Influence of God-fearing Parents – The reliability required of Elidad presupposes the formation he received at home (compare Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
3. Hope Anchored in Promise – The name itself suggests confident expectation, mirroring the faith Israel needed while still outside the land (Hebrews 11:1).

Connections to the New Testament

The pattern of identifying disciples by their fathers continues in phrases such as “James son of Zebedee” and “John son of Zebedee” (Matthew 10:2). These formulas highlight familial faithfulness and God’s desire to bless households for generational service (Acts 16:31).

Implications for Contemporary Ministry

• Recognize and honor hidden saints whose faithfulness bears fruit in their children’s service.
• Equip families to cultivate spiritual leadership so that future “Elidads” will be ready for kingdom assignments.
• Emphasize the church’s continuity with Israel’s story, teaching that personal names and obscure references testify to a meticulous, promise-keeping God.

Key Themes for Preaching and Teaching

Heritage, hope, covenant continuity, generational discipleship, unnoticed faithfulness

כִּסְלֽוֹן׃ כסלון׃ kis·lō·wn kisLon kislōwnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts