Who was Shimrath in the Bible?

Shimrath was a descendant of Benjamin, specifically listed as a son of Shimei and a grandson of Elpaal. He is mentioned in a genealogy as part of the tribe of Benjamin's lineage (1 Chronicles 8:21).

Why is Shimrath mentioned in the Bible?

Shimrath is mentioned to establish the detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin. His inclusion helps trace the family lines and heritage of Benjamin's descendants, which was important for tribal identity and land inheritance in Israel.

What is significant about Shimrath's life?

The Bible records no specific events from Shimrath's life; his significance lies solely in his genealogical listing. His mention preserves the continuity of the Benjamite line from the patriarch Benjamin down through the generations.

Shimrath

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Shimrath was a Benjamite descendant of Shimei, the son of Elpaal.

Shimrath

Biography

Shimrath was a Benjamite listed in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8 as a son of Shimei and thus a member of the extended family of Elpaal, a prominent sub-clan within the tribe of Benjamin. The genealogical chapters of 1 Chronicles covering Benjamin are notably detailed, reflecting the tribe's enduring importance in Israelite history as the home of King Saul's dynasty and a key component of the southern kingdom after the division of the monarchy. Shimrath's name, meaning "guardian" or "watchman," appears among a cluster of sons listed under Shimei, suggesting he was a recognized clan head or family progenitor within Benjamite tribal organization during the period of the Divided Monarchy.

Significance

Shimrath's appearance in Benjamin's genealogy reflects the comprehensive nature of the Chronicler's genealogical project, which sought to establish the full continuity of Israel's tribal identity from the patriarchs through the post-exilic restoration community. Benjamin's records carried particular weight given the tribe's royal legacy with the house of Saul and its strategic alliance with Judah in the southern kingdom. By preserving names like Shimrath, the Chronicler affirms that tribal belonging and family heritage were not incidental to Israelite faith but integral to the covenant community's self-understanding. These names collectively testify to the historical rootedness of God's redemptive work within a specific, traceable people.

Authority Records

Wikidata

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 8:21

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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