The Shimites are a group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the tribe of Simeon. The name "Shimites" is derived from "Shimei," a descendant of Simeon, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. The tribe of Simeon is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the Shimites represent a clan or family within this tribe.

Biblical References

The primary reference to the Shimites is found in the Book of Numbers, which details the census of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In Numbers 26:12-13 , the descendants of Simeon are listed: "The descendants of Simeon by their clans were: The Nemuelite clan from Nemuel, the Jaminite clan from Jamin, the Jakinite clan from Jakin, the Zerahite clan from Zerah, and the Shaulite clan from Shaul. These were the clans of Simeon, numbering 22,200 men."

While the Shimites are not explicitly named in this passage, they are understood to be part of the broader genealogical context of the Simeonite clans. The name "Shimei" appears in other genealogical records, such as 1 Chronicles 4:27, which provides additional context for the descendants of Simeon.

Historical and Cultural Context

The tribe of Simeon, including the Shimites, played a significant role in the early history of Israel. Initially, the Simeonites were allocated land within the territory of Judah, as described in Joshua 19:1-9. This allocation reflects the close relationship between the tribes of Simeon and Judah, both of which descended from Leah, Jacob's wife.

Over time, the tribe of Simeon became less prominent in the biblical narrative, with some scholars suggesting that they were gradually absorbed into the tribe of Judah. This absorption is supported by the lack of a distinct territory for Simeon in later biblical records and the absence of significant mentions of the tribe in the accounts of the united and divided monarchies.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the Shimites, as part of the tribe of Simeon, contribute to the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel. The genealogies and tribal divisions underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing the continuity of God's chosen people through successive generations.

The account of the Shimites and the tribe of Simeon also serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land. The eventual integration of Simeon into Judah highlights themes of unity and identity within the larger context of Israel's history.

Conclusion

The Shimites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, are an integral part of the genealogical and tribal framework of ancient Israel. Their inclusion in the biblical record reflects the importance of family and clan structures in the unfolding account of God's people.SHIMI, SHIMITES

shim'-i, shi'-mi, shim'-its.

See SHIMEI.

8097. Shimi -- descendant of Shimei
... of Shimi, Shimites. Patronymically from Shim'iy; a Shimite (collectively) or
descendants of Shimi -- of Shimi, Shimites. see HEBREW Shim'iy. 8096, 8097. ...
/hebrew/8097.htm - 6kShimites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHIMI, SHIMITES. shim'-i, shi'-mi, shim'-its.
See SHIMEI. Multi-Version Concordance Shimites (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shimites.htm - 6k

Shimite (1 Occurrence)
... Shimite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites,
and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites. ...
/s/shimite.htm - 6k

Shimi (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHIMI, SHIMITES. shim'-i, shi'-mi, shim'-its.
See SHIMEI. Multi-Version Concordance Shimi (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shimi.htm - 6k

Shimei (43 Occurrences)
... has "Shimeites" in Zechariah 12:13, where the King James Version has "Shimei," and
Numbers 3:21 for the King James Version "Shimites." English Versions of the ...
/s/shimei.htm - 30k

Shimma (1 Occurrence)

/s/shimma.htm - 6k

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