Shimei
Shimei was a Levite of the family of Merari, mentioned in the genealogy of the Levites.
Biography
Shimei was a Levite of the Merarite family, appearing in the genealogical lists of the Levites preserved in 1 Chronicles. The Merarites formed one of the three major branches of the Levitical tribe, alongside the Gershonites and Kohathites, and were assigned specific duties in the transport and maintenance of the heavier structural elements of the tabernacle, including the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets (Numbers 4:29–33). Shimei's inclusion in the Merarite genealogy marks him as part of this distinguished service tradition. These records were maintained across centuries because Levitical clan identity determined both liturgical function and geographic settlement, with Merarite towns distributed among several Israelite tribes.
Significance
Shimei the Merarite Levite represents the detailed structure of Israel's sacral community, in which every family had a defined role in the worship of God. The Merarites' responsibility for the physical infrastructure of the tabernacle and later the temple reminds readers that sacred service encompasses not only the dramatic or visible roles but the essential structural and logistical work that makes worship possible. Theologically, this reflects the biblical vision of a differentiated but integrated community in which diverse gifts and callings all contribute to the single purpose of glorifying God. Such genealogical precision also affirms the historical concreteness of Israel's covenant life, grounding theology in real people and real responsibilities.
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]