Lexical Summary Shimrath: Shimrath Original Word: שִׁמְרָת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shimrath From shamar; guardship; Shimrath, an Israelite -- Shimrath. see HEBREW shamar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shamar Definition a Benjamite NASB Translation Shimrath (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שִׁמְרָת proper name, masculine in Benjamin 1 Chronicles 8:21, Σαμαραθ, #NAME?. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The name Shimrath appears once in Scripture: “Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimhi” (1 Chronicles 8:21). Though only mentioned in a genealogical list, his inclusion in the inspired record underlines God’s concern to preserve every covenant line within the tribe of Benjamin. Genealogical Context 1 Chronicles 8 traces the Benjamite lineage from Benjamin to King Saul. Shimrath belongs to the branch that stems from Elpaal (verses 12–28). His father, Shimhi (also called Shimei in earlier verses), is several generations removed from Saul yet firmly situated within the post-exilic reconstruction of Benjamin’s clans. Such lists ensured tribal land rights after the Babylonian exile (cf. Ezra 2:1, 59; Nehemiah 7:6). Shimrath therefore represents continuity of inheritance and identity for Benjamin even when the tribe’s political power had waned. Historical Setting The Chronicler most likely compiled these genealogies after Judah’s return from exile (late fifth century BC). By then, Benjamin’s territory surrounded Jerusalem on the north and west. Maintaining accurate Benjamite records was vital for repopulating the capital (Nehemiah 11:4–9) and for validating participation in temple worship. Names like Shimrath anchored communal memory to the era before exile and demonstrated that God had not forgotten Benjamin despite national judgment (Jeremiah 33:7). Theological Themes 1. Divine Faithfulness: The solitary mention of Shimrath still testifies that “the LORD knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). Every individual in the covenant people—even one referenced only in passing—is known and valued by God. Intertextual Connections The root idea behind the name (related to guarding or watching) resonates with multiple exhortations: While Shimrath himself is not portrayed acting as a guardian, his very name silently calls Israel to covenant vigilance. Christological Foreshadowing Benjamin produced Israel’s first king (Saul) and later the apostle Paul (Romans 11:1). Genealogies like 1 Chronicles 8 ultimately converge on Jesus Christ, the true King who secures the inheritance of all tribes (Revelation 7:8). Shimrath’s preserved line contributes to the larger tapestry that authenticates messianic expectation. Ministry Applications 1. Valuing the Unnoticed: Pastors, elders, and congregations should remember that every believer—no matter how obscure—is recorded in God’s book (Malachi 3:16). Lessons for the Church Today Genealogical passages are not mere antiquarian lists; they are testimonies of divine fidelity. Shimrath’s brief appearance affirms that God weaves even the smallest thread into His redemptive tapestry. Amid modern anonymity, the church can proclaim with confidence: “I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1). Forms and Transliterations וְשִׁמְרָ֖ת ושמרת veshimRat wə·šim·rāṯ wəšimrāṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:21 HEB: וַעֲדָיָ֧ה וּבְרָאיָ֛ה וְשִׁמְרָ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י שִׁמְעִֽי׃ NAS: Beraiah and Shimrath [were] the sons KJV: and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons INT: Adaiah Beraiah and Shimrath the sons of Shimei 1 Occurrence |
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