Who was Shoham in the Bible?

Shoham was a Levite from the Merarite clan, specifically from the family of Jaaziah. He is mentioned during King David's organization of the Levites for temple service (1 Chronicles 24:27).

What was Shoham's role or significance?

His significance lies in being part of the detailed organization of the Levitical priesthood for worship duties. This shows how David systematically prepared for temple service, ensuring every role was assigned to a specific family.

Are there any stories or key events about Shoham's life?

The Bible records no specific events from Shoham's life. His mention is purely genealogical and administrative, highlighting his family's inclusion in the sacred service roster (1 Chronicles 24:26-27).

Shoham

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLevite

Shoham was a Merarite Levite belonging to the family of Jaaziah during the organization of the Levitical service.

Shoham

Biography

Shoham was a Merarite Levite belonging to the family of Jaaziah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 24:27 as part of David's comprehensive reorganization of the Levitical service in preparation for temple worship. The sons of Jaaziah including Shoham, Zakkur, and Ibri are listed alongside the more prominent Merarite divisions of Mahli and Mushi, representing an additional subdivision of the Merarite clan. David's division of the Levites into courses by lot (1 Chronicles 24:31) ensured an orderly rotation of service, and Shoham's inclusion in this formal register indicates that his family held legitimate standing within the Levitical system. His name, related to a Hebrew word for the onyx or beryl gemstone, reflects the sacred cultural context from which such names were drawn.

Significance

Shoham's placement in the Levitical roster of 1 Chronicles 24 reflects the broader theological significance of David's organizational reforms for the Jerusalem temple. By establishing ordered courses of priestly and Levitical service, David ensured that worship before God would be conducted continuously, systematically, and reverently, a principle that would govern temple service for centuries. The Merarites, responsible historically for the physical structures of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:36-37), represent the material infrastructure of worship, and Shoham's membership in this line underscores the importance of every aspect of sacred service. Even those Levites whose names appear only in lists bear witness to the comprehensive ordering of Israel's covenant worship life.

Verse Appearances (1)

1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 24:27

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]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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