Who was Shomer in the Bible?

Shomer, also called Shemer, was a descendant of the tribe of Asher, specifically recorded as the son of Heber. He is listed in the genealogies found in 1 Chronicles 7:32-34, which trace the lineage of the Israelite tribes.

What is the significance of Shomer in the Bible?

Shomer's significance lies primarily in his role within the genealogical record, helping to preserve the lineage and identity of the tribe of Asher. These lists were crucial for establishing tribal heritage, land inheritance, and the continuity of God's promises to Israel.

What key events was Shomer involved in?

The Bible does not record any specific events in Shomer's life. His mention is confined to the genealogical list, indicating his place in the family line rather than narrating any personal actions or stories.

Shomer

Old TestamentMaleSon

Shomer (or Shemer) was an Asherite descendant, the son of Heber.

Shomer

Biography

Shomer, also rendered Shemer in some manuscripts, was an Asherite listed in the tribal genealogy of 1 Chronicles 7:32 as the son of Heber and a descendant of Asher, Jacob's eighth son by Zilpah. He appears among the sons of Heber alongside Japhlet and Hotham, and the genealogy notes that his sister was Shua. The Asherite tribal records in 1 Chronicles 7 emphasize the military strength and genealogical depth of the tribe, consistent with the Chronicler's purpose of documenting the continuity of all Israel's tribal families through the exile and into the restoration era. Though Shomer receives no individual narrative, his place in the Asherite lineage confirms the perpetuation of Asher's tribal identity over generations.

Significance

Shomer represents the silent majority of biblical figures whose names are preserved in genealogical records not because of dramatic individual actions, but because they faithfully transmitted the life of their tribe from one generation to the next. The Asherite genealogy in 1 Chronicles 7 reflects the Chronicler's insistence that all twelve tribes of Israel retain their identity and significance within the covenant community. Asher's blessing from Jacob, that his food would be rich and he would provide delicacies fit for a king (Genesis 49:20), pointed to a prosperous heritage, and figures like Shomer are the unnamed carriers of that heritage. Their faithfulness in ordinary life is itself a form of covenant witness.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 7:32 1Chr 7:34

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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