The Shimeathites are a group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribe of Judah. The reference to the Shimeathites is found in 1 Chronicles 2:55, which states: "The clans of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab."

Genealogical Context

The Shimeathites are listed among the families of scribes residing in Jabez, a town associated with the tribe of Judah. This passage in 1 Chronicles is part of a broader genealogical record that traces the lineage and tribal affiliations of various groups within Israel. The mention of the Shimeathites alongside the Tirathites and Sucathites suggests a specialized role or occupation, likely related to their function as scribes.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The role of scribes in ancient Israel was significant, as they were responsible for the recording, copying, and preservation of important documents, including legal, religious, and historical texts. The Shimeathites, as a clan of scribes, would have played a crucial role in maintaining the written traditions and legal records of their community. Their inclusion in the genealogical records highlights the importance of their contribution to the cultural and religious life of Israel.

Kenite Connection

The passage in 1 Chronicles also identifies the Shimeathites as part of the Kenite lineage, specifically linking them to Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab. The Kenites were a nomadic tribe with historical ties to the Israelites, often associated with metalworking and other skilled trades. The connection to the Kenites suggests that the Shimeathites may have inherited certain cultural or occupational traits from this broader ethnic group.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Shimeathites in the biblical genealogies underscores the diversity and complexity of Israel's tribal and familial structures. It reflects the integration of various groups and professions within the covenant community, emphasizing the value of different roles and contributions to the life of the nation. The Shimeathites, as scribes, would have been instrumental in preserving the sacred texts and ensuring the continuity of Israel's religious heritage.

Conclusion

While the Shimeathites are mentioned only briefly in the biblical record, their role as scribes and their connection to the Kenites provide valuable insights into the social and religious dynamics of ancient Israel. Their presence in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles serves as a testament to the multifaceted nature of Israelite society and the enduring importance of the written word in the preservation of faith and tradition.SHIMEATHITES

shim'-e-ath-its shim`athim; Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus Samathieim; Lucian, Samathein): A subdivision of the tribe of Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:55). In the three families mentioned in this passage Jerome saw three distinct classes of religious functionaries: Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) canentes atque resonantes et in tabernaculis commorantes. The Targum has a similar explanation, except that the "Sucathites" are those "covered" with a spirit of prophecy. Bertheau (Handbuch zum Altes Testament) accepts Jerome's explanation, except that he regards the first class as gate-keepers (Aramaic tera` = Hebrew sha`ar). Wellhausen (DGJ, 30) finds underlying the three names tir`ah, a technical term for sacred music-making, shim`ah, the Halacha or sacred tradition. Buhl (HWB13) derives Shimeathites and Sucathites from unknown places. Keil interprets as descendants from the unknown Shemei (compare Curtis, ICC). The passage is hopelessly obscure.

Horace J. Wolf

8101. Shimathim -- a family of scribes
... 8100, 8101. Shimathim. 8102 . a family of scribes. Transliteration: Shimathim
Phonetic Spelling: (shim-aw-thee') Short Definition: Shimeathites. ... Shimeathites ...
/hebrew/8101.htm - 6kShimeathites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHIMEATHITES. shim ... tradition. Buhl (HWB13)
derives Shimeathites and Sucathites from unknown places. ...
/s/shimeathites.htm - 8k

Shim'e-athites (1 Occurrence)
... Shimeathites, Shim'e-athites. Shimei . ... 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of
scribes that dwelt at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/s/shim'e-athites.htm - 6k

Ken'ites (6 Occurrences)
... RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of scribes that dwelt at Jabez:
the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These ...
/k/ken'ites.htm - 8k

Jabez (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jabez (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families
of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/j/jabez.htm - 8k

Tirathites (1 Occurrence)
... Tirathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families of scribes who lived
at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/t/tirathites.htm - 7k

Ti'rathites (1 Occurrence)
... Ti'rathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families of scribes who lived
at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/t/ti'rathites.htm - 6k

Tireathites (1 Occurrence)
... Tireathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 and the families of the scribes who
dwelt at Jabez: the Tireathites, the Shimeathites, the Suchathites. ...
/t/tireathites.htm - 6k

Recab (12 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of scribes that dwelt at Jabez:
the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These ...
/r/recab.htm - 10k

Su'cathites (1 Occurrence)
... Su'cathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families of scribes who lived
at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/s/su'cathites.htm - 6k

Sucathites (1 Occurrence)
... Sucathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families of scribes who lived
at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/s/sucathites.htm - 7k

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