Lexical Summary Shammoth: Shammoth Original Word: שַׁמּוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shamoth Plural of shammah; ruins; Shammoth, an Israelite -- Shamoth. see HEBREW shammah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shamem Definition one of David's heroes, the same as NH8048 NASB Translation Shammoth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁמּוֺת proper name, masculine see foregoing. Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting Shammoth appears in the roster of “the mighty men” who rallied to David during the turbulent years that preceded and followed his ascent to the throne. The Chronicler introduces the entire cadre in 1 Chronicles 11:10–11 to underscore how the LORD “strengthened his kingdom over all Israel” through the loyalty of these seasoned warriors. Within the catalogue itself, the name occurs once: “Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite” (1 Chronicles 11:27). Placement among the Mighty Warriors 1 Chronicles groups Shammoth with men who were renowned both for personal valor and for wholehearted allegiance to God’s anointed king. Though the Chronicler supplies no individual exploits for Shammoth, his inclusion among the elites implies feats on par with comrades such as Jashobeam, who “wielded his spear against three hundred men” (1 Chronicles 11:11). In David’s day courage was evaluated not only by military prowess but by willingness to stand with the covenant king despite political uncertainty (compare 2 Samuel 23:8–39). Harmonization with 2 Samuel 23 The Samuel list has “Shammah the Harodite” (2 Samuel 23:25). The differing vocalization almost certainly reflects a scribal variation rather than a separate individual. When the Chronicler revisited his sources, he retained the essential consonants while altering the vowel points now preserved in the Masoretic Text. That the Chronicler’s form appears only once signals literary dependence rather than separate tradition, confirming the Bible’s unified historical witness. Geographic Note: “the Harorite” The modifier “Harorite” (Chronicles) or “Harodite” (Samuel) points to the vicinity of the Spring of Harod near Mount Gilboa (Judges 7:1). The association suggests Shammoth hailed from the same Jezreel Valley region where Gideon once saw the LORD rout Midian, an area bound up with memories of divine deliverance. Serving under David, Shammoth would have drawn on that legacy, offering seasoned knowledge of northern terrain vital to the king’s campaigns. Covenantal Significance 1. Loyalty to God’s chosen king. Shammoth embodies the truth later summarized by Jesus Christ: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Aligning with David required self-denial and faith that God was sovereign over national upheaval. Ministry Applications • Faithful obscurity: Modern servants may labor without public acclaim, yet the LORD records their names. Shammoth assures believers that steadfast support roles are indispensable to the advance of God’s purposes. Summary Though mentioned only once, Shammoth stands as a vital link in the chain of God’s redemptive work through David’s kingdom. His silent testimony calls the church to steadfast loyalty, sacrificial service, and confident hope in the faithful King whose reign Shammoth helped foreshadow. Forms and Transliterations שַׁמּוֹת֙ שמות šam·mō·wṯ šammōwṯ shammOtLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 11:27 HEB: שַׁמּוֹת֙ הַהֲרוֹרִ֔י חֶ֖לֶץ NAS: Shammoth the Harorite, Helez KJV: Shammoth the Harorite, Helez INT: Shammoth the Harorite Helez 1 Occurrence |
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