Lexical Summary Shammah: Shammah Original Word: שַׁמָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shammah The same as shammah; Shammah, the name of an Edomite and four Israelites -- Shammah. see HEBREW shammah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shamem Definition an Edomite, also several Isr. NASB Translation Shammah (8). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. שַׁמָּה proper name, masculine 1. in Edom Genesis 36:13,17; 1 Chronicles 1:37 usually Σομε. 2 third son of Jesse 1 Samuel 16:9; 1 Samuel 17:13, Σαμ(μ)α, ᵐ5L Σαμαα; see שִׁמְעָא, שִׁמְעָה, שִׁמְעִי. 3 Σαμαια(ς), etc., heroes of David: a. 2 Samuel 23:11 (omitted accidentally "" 1 Chronicles 11:13 Dr), 1 Chronicles 11:33. b. 1 Chronicles 11:25 = שַׁמּוֺת 1 Chronicles 11:27, Σαμαωθ, Σαμ(μ)ωθ; probably also שַׁמְהוּת 1 Chronicles 27:8. p 1030,1035 Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Persons Named Shammah1. Genesis 36:13, 36:17; 1 Chronicles 1:37 – an Edomite chief, grandson of Esau through Reuel. Shammah in the Lineage of Esau Shammah appears first in Edomite genealogy (Genesis 36). As one of the early tribal chiefs, he represents the growing political organization of Esau’s line. The catalog of chiefs underscores God’s faithfulness to Abraham’s promise that Esau too would become a nation (Genesis 25:23; 27:39-40). Yet the chronicler’s repetition (1 Chronicles 1:37) reminds readers that Edom’s apparent strength lay outside the covenant line; Israel’s hope would never rest in mere lineage or temporal power. Shammah, Third Son of Jesse At Jesse’s home in Bethlehem, “Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, ‘The LORD has not chosen this one either’” (1 Samuel 16:9). Visibly fit for service, Shammah nevertheless was passed over in favor of the youngest, David. The narrative highlights God’s pattern of exalting the unlikely (1 Samuel 16:7). Later, Shammah is counted among Saul’s troops when Goliath taunted Israel (1 Samuel 17:13). His silent presence in that episode—contrasted with David’s bold faith—underlines how natural credentials cannot substitute for trust in the Lord. Shammah among David’s Mighty Men Two warriors named Shammah are listed within David’s elite corps (2 Samuel 23:25, 33). Most scholars see one individual, but the text may preserve distinct memories or nicknames (Harodite/Hararite). In any case, the placement among “the Thirty” testifies to proven bravery and loyalty. Verse 11 (spelled slightly differently) celebrates a Shammah who single-handedly defended a field of lentils against the Philistines, and “the LORD brought about a great victory” (2 Samuel 23:12). By standing his ground when others fled, Shammah models steadfast faith that God honors. Theological and Ministry Significance Covenantal Contrast – The two earliest Shammahs emerge from Edom, the later ones from Judah. Scripture therefore juxtaposes brothers separated by covenant: Esau’s line attains chieftainship, but Davidic faithfulness gains everlasting promise. The name that once marked Edomite strength becomes associated with Israelite valor under Yahweh’s anointed king. Divine Selection Over Human Appearance – In the Bethlehem narrative, Shammah’s rejection reminds ministers that outward suitability does not guarantee divine appointment. God chooses instruments by heart allegiance, not résumé. Steadfast Courage – The mighty-man accounts present Shammah as a paradigm of perseverance under overwhelming odds. Ministry often feels like defending a lentil patch—an apparently insignificant task—yet God works decisive victories through those who refuse to yield. Corporate Impact of Individual Faithfulness – Shammah’s stand saved Israel’s harvest; similarly, a single believer’s courage can bless an entire community. The episode encourages leaders to value seemingly small assignments that safeguard spiritual “fields” entrusted to them. Lessons for the Church • Measure success by covenant faithfulness, not by the size of one’s tribe or portfolio. Shammah’s scattered appearances thus weave a coherent testimony: God opposes the proud, chooses the humble, and empowers the faithful to guard His inheritance until the true Son of David secures the final victory. Forms and Transliterations שַׁמָּ֑ה שַׁמָּ֖ה שַׁמָּ֣ה שַׁמָּ֥ה שַׁמָּֽה׃ שַׁמָּה֙ שמה שמה׃ šam·māh šammāh shamMahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:13 HEB: נַ֥חַת וָזֶ֖רַח שַׁמָּ֣ה וּמִזָּ֑ה אֵ֣לֶּ֣ה NAS: and Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah. KJV: and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: INT: Nahath and Zerah Shammah and Mizzah These Genesis 36:17 1 Samuel 16:9 1 Samuel 17:13 2 Samuel 23:25 2 Samuel 23:33 1 Chronicles 1:37 7 Occurrences |
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