Who was Shema in the Bible?

Shema was a man from the tribe of Judah, recorded as a son of Hebron and a grandson of Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:43-44). He is listed in a genealogical record, establishing his place within the lineage of Judah's descendants.

What is the significance of Shema in the Bible?

Shema's primary significance is genealogical, helping to document the family lines within the tribe of Judah. This lineage was crucial for establishing tribal heritage and land inheritances in ancient Israel, as seen in the detailed records of 1 Chronicles.

What key events was Shema involved in?

The Bible does not record any specific events in Shema's life. His mention is confined to the genealogical lists in 1 Chronicles 2:43-44, which focus on his familial relationships rather than narrative events.

Shema

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Shema, a son of Hebron and descendant of Judah.

Shema

Biography

Shema was a son of Hebron and a descendant of Judah through the line traced in 1 Chronicles 2:43–44. Hebron was himself descended from Caleb son of Hezron, placing Shema within the honored Calebite branch of the tribe of Judah that settled the hill country around the city of Hebron in Canaan. The genealogical record notes Shema as the father of Raham, extending the lineage further. While Scripture provides limited biographical detail about Shema personally, his inclusion in the Judahite genealogy of 1 Chronicles situates him within the intricate web of clan relationships that defined territorial and social identity in ancient Israel, particularly in the region of Caleb's inheritance in the southern highlands of Judah.

Significance

Shema's place in the genealogy of Judah carries theological significance because it preserves the historical memory of the tribe through which God's covenant promises would ultimately be fulfilled. The tribe of Judah held the scepter promise (Genesis 49:10), and meticulous preservation of its genealogical lines, including figures like Shema, ensured the unbroken record leading to David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. These genealogies in Chronicles were compiled partly to reestablish tribal identity after the Babylonian exile, reminding the returning community of their covenant heritage and God's faithfulness across generations.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 2:43 1Chr 2:44

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]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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