Who was Shimri in the Bible?

Shimri was a Levite who served as a gatekeeper for the tabernacle during the reign of King David. He was the son of Hosah and was part of a family assigned to guard the gates (1 Chronicles 26:10).

What was Shimri's role as a gatekeeper?

As a gatekeeper, Shimri's duty was to guard the entrances to the sacred tent (tabernacle) and its treasuries. This was a vital role of trust and service, ensuring order and security for worship (1 Chronicles 26:1, 10-11).

Why is Shimri mentioned in the Bible?

Shimri is listed to show the detailed organization of Levitical service under David. His mention highlights that even those in seemingly minor roles were important for the functioning of Israel's worship and were recorded by God (1 Chronicles 26:12-13).

Shimri

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLeviteSon

Shimri was a Levite gatekeeper during David's reign and the son of Hosah.

Shimri

Biography

Shimri was a Levite of the Merarite clan, specifically identified as the son of Hosah, who served as a gatekeeper in the Jerusalem temple during the reign of King David (1 Chronicles 26:10). His father Hosah was a prominent Merarite appointed as a temple doorkeeper, and though Shimri was not Hosah's firstborn, David and the priestly administrators designated him as the head of his father's household. This appointment over and above his elder brothers likely reflects recognized qualities of leadership, character, or competence. As gatekeeper, Shimri was responsible for guarding the sacred precincts, controlling access to the temple courts, and ensuring the security and sanctity of the house of God.

Significance

Shimri's appointment as head of Hosah's household despite not being the firstborn echoes a recurring biblical motif: God's selection of leaders often overturns natural expectations of primogeniture in favor of qualities of character and divine appointment, as seen also in the stories of Jacob, Joseph, and David himself. His role as a temple gatekeeper, while not as prominent as that of priests, was a position of real responsibility and honor within Israel's worship system. The gatekeepers stood as sentinels of holiness, ensuring the sanctity of the sacred space. Shimri's faithful service in this capacity reflects the biblical vision that all legitimate roles in the worshipping community carry inherent dignity and significance.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 26:10

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]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources