Lexical Summary Shikmi: Shikmite Original Word: שִׁכְמִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shichemites Patronymic from Shekem; a Shikmite (collectively), or descendants of Shekem -- Shichemites. see HEBREW Shekem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Shekem Definition desc. of Shechem NASB Translation Shechemites (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical ReferenceNumbers 26:31 records “the clan of the Shechemites,” identifying a single family line within the tribe of Manasseh during Israel’s second wilderness census. The term translated “Shechemites” corresponds to Strong’s Hebrew 7930 and designates descendants of a man named Shechem, one of the six sons of Gilead (Numbers 26:30). Place within the Tribal Structure of Israel 1. Patriarchal Line 2. Allocation of Inheritance The census of Numbers 26 prepared Israel for the allotment of Canaan’s territories. Each clan would receive its inheritance “according to the lot” (Numbers 26:55). Thus, the Shechemites directly benefited from God’s covenant promise that the land would be apportioned to every family line. Historical Background During the final months on the plains of Moab, Moses counted the men “twenty years old and above” (Numbers 26:2). The purpose was twofold: The Shechemite total is not singled out, but their inclusion affirms that God had preserved this family across forty years of wilderness discipline; none of the men counted in the first census survived except Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 26:64-65). The clan therefore represents God’s judgment and mercy working simultaneously—judgment on the unbelieving generation and mercy in sustaining their descendants. Connection with the City of Shechem Although the clan’s eponym bears the same name as the well-known city in the hill country of Ephraim, the biblical text does not link the two directly. Nevertheless, later history intertwines the tribe of Manasseh with the region around Shechem: While Scripture is silent on whether the Shechemite clan settled near the city, the shared name naturally invites readers to observe how God often weaves personal and geographic storylines together for His redemptive purposes. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Faithfulness The presence of the Shechemite clan in both census and inheritance underscores God’s unwavering commitment to the promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not one clan was overlooked; every name mattered (compare Isaiah 49:16). 2. Generational Continuity The Shechemites illustrate how family identity is preserved in Scripture. Genealogies are not mere records but testimonies that God works through ordinary households to fulfill extraordinary plans (see Matthew 1:1-17). 3. Corporate Identity within Diversity Although descended from Joseph through Manasseh, the Shechemites share fully in Israel’s covenant blessings. Their account reminds the Church that unity in Christ embraces a diversity of backgrounds, gifts, and callings (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). Lessons for Ministry • Value Every Name Pastors and ministry leaders should recognize that every individual and family under their care has a role in God’s larger narrative. • Prepare the Next Generation Moses conducted the census to position Israel for future conquest. Likewise, churches must equip emerging leaders for the spiritual battles ahead (2 Timothy 2:2). • Guard Inheritance As Israel safeguarded tribal lands, believers are called to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). Key Cross-References Genesis 33:18-20 – Jacob purchases land near Shechem, foreshadowing the city’s later covenant significance. Joshua 24:1 – Joshua gathers “all the tribes of Israel at Shechem” for covenant renewal, highlighting the site as a spiritual rallying point. Judges 9 – The rise and fall of Abimelech at Shechem illustrates the danger of covenant unfaithfulness. Summary The single biblical occurrence of Strong’s Hebrew 7930 identifies the Shechemite clan, a branch of Manasseh preserved through wilderness judgment and poised to inherit Canaan. Though briefly mentioned, their inclusion testifies to God’s meticulous faithfulness, the importance of family continuity, and the larger tapestry of redemption that binds individual clans to Israel’s national destiny and ultimately to the account of Christ. Forms and Transliterations הַשִּׁכְמִֽי׃ השכמי׃ haš·šiḵ·mî hashshichMi haššiḵmîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 26:31 HEB: וְשֶׁ֕כֶם מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַשִּׁכְמִֽי׃ NAS: the family of the Shechemites; KJV: the family of the Shechemites: INT: and Shechem the family of the Shechemites 1 Occurrence |
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