Who was Shamma in the Bible?

Shamma was a son of Zophah and a descendant of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is listed in the genealogy of Asher in 1 Chronicles 7:37 as a member of a large and mighty family of warriors.

What is the significance of Shamma in the Bible?

Shamma's significance lies in his inclusion in the detailed genealogical records, which were crucial for establishing tribal lineage, inheritance rights, and the identity of God's chosen people. His mention highlights the importance of family and heritage within the nation of Israel.

What key events was Shamma involved in?

The Bible does not record any specific events in Shamma's life. His only mention is in the genealogical list, indicating his role was primarily to continue the family line of the tribe of Asher.

Shamma

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Shamma was a son of Zophah and a descendant of Asher.

Shamma

Biography

Shamma was a member of the tribe of Asher, listed among the sons of Zophah in the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 7:37. He appears within an extended clan roster that chronicles the military and familial heritage of the Asherite tribe. Zophah's sons are enumerated as part of a broader accounting of those within Asher who were valiant warriors and heads of families, men capable of mustering military service for Israel. While Shamma receives no narrative elaboration, his placement within this genealogical catalog affirms his standing as a recognized member of Asher's tribal leadership structure. His name, related to a Hebrew root meaning "desolation" or possibly "fame," was shared by several prominent biblical figures.

Significance

Though Shamma's biblical record is limited to a single genealogical reference, his inclusion in the tribal rolls of Asher carries theological weight. The meticulous recording of family lineages in Chronicles reflects the covenantal significance of each Israelite tribe as a bearer of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Asher's inheritance in the northern coastal region was among the most fertile in Canaan, a fulfillment of Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:20. Shamma stands as a quiet witness to God's faithfulness in populating and sustaining each tribe, ensuring that the full mosaic of Israel's covenantal community was preserved across generations.

Verse Appearances (1)

1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 7:37

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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