Shamsherai
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Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Shamsherai" is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively established, it is often understood to mean "sun-like" or "dawn." The name reflects a common practice in Hebrew culture of using elements of nature or celestial bodies in personal names, possibly indicating a characteristic or hoped-for quality in the individual.

Biblical References:
Shamsherai is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. The primary reference to Shamsherai is found in 1 Chronicles 8:26, which states: "Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah." This verse is part of a larger genealogical listing that traces the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was also known as Israel.

Tribal Affiliation:
Shamsherai is identified as a descendant of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The tribe of Benjamin held a significant place among the tribes of Israel, known for its warriors and its strategic location between the northern and southern tribes. The Benjaminites played a crucial role in the history of Israel, with notable figures such as King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul, originally named Saul, who was a Pharisee from the tribe of Benjamin.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve several purposes. They establish the continuity of the Israelite people, affirm the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, and provide a sense of identity and heritage for the post-exilic community. The inclusion of Shamsherai in these records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in ancient Israelite society.

Theological Significance:
While Shamsherai himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his mention in the genealogies highlights the broader theological theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Each name in the genealogical lists represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive history, pointing to the unfolding of His divine plan through the generations. The tribe of Benjamin, despite its small size, is a testament to God's providence and the integral role each tribe played in the account of Israel.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Genealogy and Heritage: The genealogical records in the Bible emphasize the importance of family and tribal connections, serving as a reminder of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
· Covenant Faithfulness: The inclusion of individuals like Shamsherai in the biblical record underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, despite the nation's challenges and failures.
· Tribal Identity: The tribe of Benjamin, to which Shamsherai belonged, is a significant part of Israel's history, known for its resilience and contributions to the nation's leadership and spiritual heritage.

Conclusion:
Shamsherai, though a minor figure in the biblical text, is part of the rich tapestry of Israel's history. His mention in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel and the faithfulness of God to His people throughout the ages.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Shamsherai

there a singer or conqueror

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Shamsherai

(sunlike), a Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 8:26)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHAMSHERAI

sham'-she-ri, sham-she-ra'-i (shamsheray): A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:26).

Strong's Hebrew
8125. Shamsheray -- a Benjamite
... 8124, 8125. Shamsheray. 8126 . a Benjamite. Transliteration: Shamsheray Phonetic
Spelling: (sham-sher-ah'-ee) Short Definition: Shamsherai. ... Shamsherai. ...
/hebrew/8125.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Shamsherai (1 Occurrence)
...SHAMSHERAI. sham'-she-ri, sham-she-ra'-i (shamsheray): A Benjamite (1 Chronicles
8:26). Multi-Version Concordance Shamsherai (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shamsherai.htm - 6k

Sham'sherai (1 Occurrence)
Sham'sherai. Shamsherai, Sham'sherai. Shan . ... Sham'sherai (1 Occurrence). 1
Chronicles 8:26 And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah; (See RSV). ...
/s/sham'sherai.htm - 6k

Athali'ah (17 Occurrences)
... at the king's house. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 8:26 And Shamsherai, and
Shehariah, and Athaliah; (See RSV). 2 Chronicles 22:2 Forty ...
/a/athali'ah.htm - 11k

Shehariah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shehariah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:26 and Shamsherai,
and Shehariah, and Athaliah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/shehariah.htm - 6k

Shehari'ah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shehari'ah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:26 And Shamsherai,
and Shehariah, and Athaliah; (See RSV). Shehariah, Shehari'ah. Shekel ...
/s/shehari'ah.htm - 6k

Shammuah (1 Occurrence)

/s/shammuah.htm - 7k

Athaliah (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 8:26 and Shamsherai, and
Shehariah, and Athaliah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/athaliah.htm - 19k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Shamsherai (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 8:26
and Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Shamsherai

Shamsherai: Son of Jeroham

Related Terms

Shan (8 Occurrences)

Shamsherai (1 Occurrence)

Shammuah: Son of David
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