Original Word: שִׁלְחִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Shilchiy
Pronunciation: shil-KHEE
Phonetic Spelling: (shil-khee')
KJV: Shilhi
NASB: Shilhi
Word Origin: [from H7973 (שֶׁלַח - weapon)]

1. missive, i.e. armed
2. Shilchi, an Israelite

Shilhi

From shelach; missive, i.e. Armed; Shilchi, an Israelite -- Shilhi.

see HEBREW shelach

Word Origin
from shalach
Definition
Jehoshaphat's grandfather
NASB Translation
Shilhi (2).

שִׁלְחִי proper name, masculine father of Jehoshaphat's mother; — 1 Kings 22:42 2Chronicles 20:31; Σεμεει, Σαλαλα, Σαλει etc.

Biblical Occurrences

Shilhi is named twice in Scripture, both times in the context of royal genealogy: 1 Kings 22:42 and 2 Chronicles 20:31. In both passages he is identified as the father of Azubah, who became the mother of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. No personal deeds of Shilhi are recorded, and his appearance is limited to these brief references.

Genealogical Context

The mention of Shilhi anchors Azubah within a specific family and tribe, contributing to the Bible’s wider concern for accurate lineage. Through Azubah, Shilhi stands in the ancestral line of Jehoshaphat, a monarch praised for walking “in the ways of his father David” (2 Chronicles 17:3). The placement of Shilhi’s name in the royal record underscores the meticulous preservation of Judah’s dynastic history.

Historical Background

Jehoshaphat’s reign (circa 873–848 B.C.) was marked by religious reforms, fortified defenses, and relative prosperity. Shilhi, as the maternal grandfather of this godly king, lived during or shortly before the reigns of Asa and Jehoshaphat. Although silent in the narrative, his household produced a queen mother whose influence coincided with a pivotal era of covenant renewal in Judah.

Spiritual Themes

1. Covenant Faithfulness: By recording even seemingly minor figures such as Shilhi, Scripture highlights every individual’s place in God’s unfolding redemptive plan.
2. Influence of Maternal Lines: The mothers and maternal grandfathers of kings often receive mention, reminding readers that spiritual heritage is transmitted through both paternal and maternal sides.
3. Hidden Legacy: Shilhi’s obscurity illustrates how faithful service can impact future generations without public acclaim.

Implications for Ministry

• Family Discipleship: Shilhi’s quiet legacy encourages parents and grandparents to cultivate godliness at home, trusting God to multiply their influence beyond their lifetime.
• Individual Significance: Even those with no recorded exploits can play crucial roles in God’s purposes; ministry leaders should affirm the unseen contributions of ordinary believers.
• Record-Keeping and Testimony: The biblical practice of naming ancestors validates the importance of documenting God’s work in families and congregations today.

Related Topics

Azubah • Jehoshaphat • Queen Mothers in Judah • Genealogies of the Monarchy • Covenant Heritage

שִׁלְחִֽי׃ שלחי׃ shilChi šil·ḥî šilḥîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts