Lexical Summary Sheerah: Sheerah Original Word: שֶׁאֱרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sherah The same as sha'arah; Sheerah, an Israelitess -- Sherah. see HEBREW sha'arah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sheer Definition an Ephraimite woman NASB Translation Sheerah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֶׁאֱרָה proper name, feminine 'daughter' of Ephraim; — ׳בִּתּוֺ שׁ 1 Chronicles 7:24 (see also proper name, of a location ׳אֻזֵּן שׁ above); ᵐ5B ἐκείνοις τ. καταλοίποις, but ᵐ5L (compare ᵐ5A) ἡ θυγάτηρ αὐτοῦ Σαραα. מִשְׁאֶרֶת see above שֵׁאת see שׁאה. Topical Lexicon Biblical Appearance Sheerah is named once in Scripture, within the genealogy of Ephraim: “His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth-horon, as well as Uzzen-sheerah” (1 Chronicles 7:24). Though a brief notice, the text highlights her accomplishments rather than those of her brothers, an unusual emphasis in an ancient genealogy. Genealogical Setting 1 Chronicles 7 traces the posterity of Joseph’s son Ephraim. The chronicler’s inclusion of Sheerah underscores the breadth of Ephraim’s legacy and locates her life between the patriarchal narratives and the occupation of Canaan. Her placement among male descendants signals her recognized authority and the enduring impact of her work on tribal territory. Geographical and Strategic Importance of Her Cities • Lower and Upper Beth-horon guarded the ascent from the coastal plain to the central hill country. Control of these twin towns secured the main route up to the region of Benjamin and Ephraim. These settlements became pivotal in later events: – Joshua 10:10-11 records the LORD hurling hailstones on fleeing Amorites “as they fled before Israel on the descent of Beth-horon.” – 1 Kings 9:17 and 2 Chronicles 8:5 list Beth-horon among Solomon’s fortified cities. – 2 Chronicles 25:13 shows the towns still strategic in Amaziah’s day. Thus, Sheerah’s construction projects shaped Israel’s military and commercial landscape for generations. Distinction as a Female Builder in Scripture While Scripture names women who judged (Deborah), prophesied (Huldah), or ruled (Queen Athaliah), Sheerah is uniquely commended for founding and fortifying cities. Her enterprise demonstrates that architectural and civic leadership were not exclusively male domains in ancient Israel. The Chronicler’s acknowledgment implies communal recognition of her skill, resources, and administrative competence. Historical Threads in Israel’s Narrative 1. Sheerah’s cities later protect Joshua’s armies, Solomon’s trade, and Judean kings—making her work a silent partner in multiple redemptive moments. Theological and Ministry Insights • God raises unlikely instruments: a daughter in a patriarchal clan becomes a city-builder, illustrating divine freedom to bestow gifts irrespective of gender or station. Practical Application for Contemporary Faith Communities 1. Encourage and equip women to employ God-given skills in leadership, architecture, administration, and mission. Summary Though appearing only once, Sheerah stands as a testimony to visionary leadership, the strategic importance of Ephraim’s heartland, and the enduring fruit of labor offered to God. Her life invites believers to build with foresight, courage, and confidence that the LORD who guided her still fortifies His people’s efforts. Forms and Transliterations שֶׁאֱרָ֔ה שארה še’ĕrāh še·’ĕ·rāh sheeRahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 7:24 HEB: וּבִתּ֣וֹ שֶׁאֱרָ֔ה וַתִּ֧בֶן אֶת־ NAS: His daughter was Sheerah, who built KJV: (And his daughter [was] Sherah, who built INT: his daughter was Sheerah built Beth-horon 1 Occurrence |
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