Lexical Summary Shamma: Shamma Original Word: שַׁמָּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shamma From shamem; desolation; Shamma, an Israelite -- Shamma. see HEBREW shamem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shamem Definition an Asherite NASB Translation Shamma (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁמָּא proper name, masculine in Asher,1 Chronicles 7:37, Σεμ(μ)α, etc. Topical Lexicon Overview שַׁמָּא (Shamma) occurs only twice in the Hebrew Old Testament and functions as a proper name. Although rare, the name is attached to two different individuals whose stories, read together, illustrate both the valor God empowers and the covenant continuity He preserves. Scriptural Occurrences • 2 Samuel 23:11–12 – Shamma son of Agee, the Hararite, one of the three elite warriors in David’s mighty men. Shamma son of Agee: A Portrait of Courage and Faith The narrative in 2 Samuel 23 places Shamma alongside Josheb-Basshebeth and Eleazar in the select trio who distinguished themselves above “the thirty.” When the Philistines overran a field of lentils, “Shamma took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory” (2 Samuel 23:12). Key features: Shamma thus models how personal faithfulness can secure communal blessing, a timeless lesson for believers confronting cultural or spiritual opposition. Shamma of Asher: Genealogical Continuity and Tribal Identity 1 Chronicles 7:30–40 traces Asher’s lineage during the monarchy’s early centuries. Verse 37 reads, “Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera”. Though no exploits are recorded, his inclusion signals: Historical Significance Both occurrences fall within literature shaped by Israel’s monarchy and post-exilic reflection. 2 Samuel celebrates God’s establishment of Davidic kingship; 1 Chronicles, compiled after the exile, reaffirms Israel’s identity. The dual appearance of the name in heroic and genealogical settings bridges public triumph and quiet continuity, illustrating that God’s redemptive plan advances through both dramatic deliverance and steady lineage. Theological Themes 1. Divine sovereignty and human agency – Shamma’s stand shows how God works through courageous individuals. Ministry Application • Stand firm where God places you, even if the assignment appears small; ordinary spaces become arenas for extraordinary victories. Intertextual Echoes Shamma’s lone defense anticipates prophetic calls such as Ezekiel’s “man who would build the wall and stand before Me in the gap” (Ezekiel 22:30). In the New Testament, individual steadfastness resurfaces in exhortations like “be steadfast, immovable” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Both Testaments converge on the truth that God delights to work through the resolute faith of His people. Summary Though appearing only twice, the name שַׁמָּא highlights two complementary truths: God remembers the obscure and strengthens the courageous. Whether guarding a lentil patch or sustaining a family line, every act of faith fits into the larger tapestry of His unbroken covenant purposes. Forms and Transliterations וְשַׁמָּ֧א ושמא שַׁמָּ֥א שמא šam·mā šammā shamMa veshamMa wə·šam·mā wəšammāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 23:11 HEB: וְאַחֲרָ֛יו שַׁמָּ֥א בֶן־ אָגֵ֖א INT: now after Shamma the son of Agee 1 Chronicles 7:37 2 Occurrences |
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