Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Shammuah" is derived from the Hebrew root "shama," meaning "to hear" or "to listen." Thus, Shammuah can be interpreted as "heard by God" or "one who hears." Biblical References: Shammuah is a name that appears in the Old Testament, associated with different individuals: 1. Shammuah, the Spy: Shammuah is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. He represents the tribe of Reuben. In Numbers 13:4, the Berean Standard Bible states: "These were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur." Shammuah, along with the other spies, was tasked with assessing the land and its inhabitants. However, he was among the ten spies who brought back a negative report, leading to the Israelites' fear and rebellion against entering the Promised Land (Numbers 13:31-33). 2. Shammuah, Son of David: Another Shammuah is mentioned as a son of King David. In 2 Samuel 5:14 , it is recorded: "These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon." Shammuah, also known as Shimea in some passages, was one of David's sons born to him in Jerusalem, indicating his place within the royal lineage. Historical and Theological Context: The account of Shammuah as one of the spies highlights a significant moment in Israel's history. The negative report brought by Shammuah and the other spies, except for Joshua and Caleb, resulted in the Israelites' 40-year wilderness wandering as a consequence of their lack of faith and trust in God's promise (Numbers 14:26-35). This event underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the biblical narrative. In the context of King David's family, Shammuah's mention signifies the expansion and establishment of David's dynasty in Jerusalem. Although not much is detailed about his life, his inclusion in the genealogical records emphasizes the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical text. Lessons and Themes: The account of Shammuah the spy serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of fear and disbelief. It illustrates the importance of trusting in God's promises and the repercussions of failing to do so. The narrative encourages believers to have faith in God's provision and guidance, even when circumstances appear daunting. Shammuah, the son of David, while not a central figure, is part of the broader narrative of God's covenant with David, which ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah through David's lineage. This connection highlights the theme of God's faithfulness to His promises throughout generations. Conclusion: Shammuah's appearances in the Bible, though brief, contribute to the larger narrative of faith, obedience, and God's unfolding plan for His people. Whether as a spy or a son of David, Shammuah's account is interwoven with themes of trust, heritage, and divine promise. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Shammuahhe that is heard; he that is obeyed Smith's Bible Dictionary Shammuahson of David, (2 Samuel 5:14) elsewhere called Shammua and Shimea. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHAMMUA; SHAMMUAHsha-mu'-a, sham'-u-a (shammua`): Strong's Hebrew 8051. Shammua -- three Israelites... NASB Word Usage Shammua (5). Shammua, Shammuah. From shamem; renowned; Shammua, the name of four Israelites -- Shammua, Shammuah. see HEBREW shamem. ... /hebrew/8051.htm - 6k Thesaurus Shammuah (1 Occurrence)... SHAMMUA; SHAMMUAH. sha-mu'-a, sham'-ua (shammua`): (1) The Reubenite spy (Numbers 13:4, Samouel, and other forms). ...Shammuah (1 Occurrence). ... /s/shammuah.htm - 7k Shammu'a (1 Occurrence) Shamsherai (1 Occurrence) Shammua (6 Occurrences) Shamhuth (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Shammuah (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 5:14 Subtopics Related Terms |