Shema
Shema, a descendant of Reuben, son of Joel.
Biography
This Shema was a descendant of the tribe of Reuben, identified in 1 Chronicles 5:8 as the son of Joel within the Reubenite genealogy. He appears within the genealogical record that traces Reuben's descendants who settled the Transjordanian territory east of the Jordan River, in the region stretching toward the Euphrates. The Reubenites maintained their tribal identity through the monarchy period, though the tribe's prominence had diminished following Reuben's forfeiture of the firstborn birthright (Genesis 49:3–4; 1 Chronicles 5:1–2). Shema's inclusion in this genealogical record reflects the Chronicler's concern to preserve the complete tribal history of Israel, including those tribes whose territories lay beyond the Jordan.
Significance
Shema's appearance in the Reubenite genealogy illustrates the Chronicler's theological conviction that all twelve tribes of Israel retained their identity and significance within the covenant community, despite varying fortunes. Reuben's tribe, though stripped of the double portion and preeminence, was not forgotten by God or by the sacred record. This preservation of tribal lineages underscores the biblical principle that God's covenant encompasses all His people. The Transjordanian tribes' genealogies also remind readers of the breadth of Israel's territorial inheritance, granted by God and held in trust for the covenant community.
Verse Appearances (1)
1Chr
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]