Shamma
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Overview:
Shamma is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the genealogies and narratives of the tribes of Israel. The name "Shamma" is associated with several individuals, each playing a distinct role in the biblical narrative. The name itself is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "desolation" or "astonishment," which may reflect the circumstances or characteristics of the individuals bearing this name.

Biblical References:

1. Shamma, Son of Reuel:
Shamma is listed as one of the sons of Reuel, the son of Esau, and Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael. This lineage is significant as it highlights the interconnections between the Edomites and the Israelites. In Genesis 36:13 , it is recorded: "These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the sons of Esau’s wife Basemath."

2. Shamma, Son of Jesse:
Another Shamma is mentioned as one of the sons of Jesse, making him a brother of King David. In 1 Samuel 16:9 , during the anointing of David, it is noted: "Then Jesse had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, 'The LORD has not chosen this one either.'" This Shamma is also referred to as Shimeah or Shimea in other passages, illustrating the common practice of variant spellings and names in ancient texts.

3. Shamma, the Harodite:
Shamma is also identified as one of David's mighty warriors, known as the "Three" or the "Thirty," who were renowned for their bravery and loyalty to King David. In 2 Samuel 23:11 , it is written: "And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the troops fled from the Philistines." Shammah's valor is highlighted in this passage, as he stood his ground and achieved a great victory for Israel.

Theological Significance:

The individuals named Shamma in the Bible are often associated with themes of loyalty, courage, and the fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of Israel. The mention of Shamma as a brother of David underscores the importance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative, while Shamma the warrior exemplifies the ideal of faithfulness and bravery in the service of God's chosen king.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The name Shamma appears in contexts that reflect the complex relationships between the tribes of Israel and their neighbors, such as the Edomites. The genealogical records in which Shamma is mentioned serve to establish the historical and familial connections that are central to understanding the unfolding of God's covenant with His people. The accounts of Shamma as a warrior highlight the militaristic and tribal nature of ancient Israelite society, where personal valor and loyalty were highly esteemed.

Conclusion:

The various individuals named Shamma in the Bible contribute to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and the unfolding of God's plan for His people. Whether through genealogical records or accounts of heroic deeds, the name Shamma is woven into the narrative of God's faithfulness and the enduring legacy of His chosen people.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Shamma

(astonishment), one of the sons of Zophar, an Asherite. (1 Chronicles 7:37)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHAMMA

sham'-a (shamma'; Codex Vaticanus Sema; Codex Alexandrinus Samma): An Asherite (1 Chronicles 7:37).

Strong's Hebrew
8037. Shamma -- an Asherite
... 8036, 8037. Shamma. 8038 . an Asherite. Transliteration: Shamma Phonetic
Spelling: (sham-maw') Short Definition: Shamma. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/8037.htm - 6k

8092. Shima -- four Israelites
... NASB Word Usage Shimea (5). Shimea, Shimei, Shamma. For Shim'ah; Shima, the name
of four Israelites -- Shimea, Shimei, Shamma. see HEBREW Shim'ah. 8091, 8092 ...
/hebrew/8092.htm - 6k

Thesaurus
Shamma (1 Occurrence)
...SHAMMA. sham'-a (shamma'; Codex Vaticanus Sema; Codex Alexandrinus Samma): An Asherite
(1 Chronicles 7:37). Multi-Version Concordance Shamma (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shamma.htm - 6k

Shammah (8 Occurrences)

/s/shammah.htm - 13k

Jithran (2 Occurrences)
... Eshban, And Jithran, And Cheran. (DBY). 1 Chronicles 7:37 Bezer, and Hod,
and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Jithran, and Beera. (DBY). ...
/j/jithran.htm - 6k

Ithran (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 7:37 Bezer,
and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera. ...
/i/ithran.htm - 7k

Beera (1 Occurrence)
... Beera (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah,
and Ithran, and Beera. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/b/beera.htm - 6k

Bezer (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran,
and Beera. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/bezer.htm - 9k

Be-e'ra (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Be-e'ra (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:37 Bezer, and
Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera. (See RSV). ...
/b/be-e'ra.htm - 6k

Shilshah (1 Occurrence)
... Shilshah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah,
and Ithran, and Beera. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/shilshah.htm - 6k

Shamlai (1 Occurrence)

/s/shamlai.htm - 6k

Shilsha (1 Occurrence)
... Shilsha (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah,
and Ithran, and Beera. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV) ...
/s/shilsha.htm - 6k

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