Lexical Summary Shimah: Shimah Original Word: שִׁמְעָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shimeah Feminine of shema'; annunciation; Shimah, an Israelite -- Shimeah. see HEBREW shema' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shama Definition a brother of David, same as NH8092 NASB Translation Shimeah (2). Topical Lexicon Name and VariantsShimeah (שִׁמְעָה, Strong’s 8093) appears in Scripture as the third-born son of Jesse and, therefore, an older brother of David. Other spellings—Shammah (1 Samuel 16:9) and Shimea (1 Chronicles 2:13)—reflect the same individual. All forms spring from the Hebrew root shamaʽ, “to hear,” hinting at themes of listening and obedience that run through his extended family’s story. Scriptural Occurrences The form שִׁמְעָה occurs twice, both in the narrative of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom: “Now Amnon had an adviser named Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Jonadab was a very shrewd man.” “Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered, ‘My lord should not think that they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons…’ ” Although these verses focus on Jonadab, they locate Shimeah within David’s royal household and mark him as the source of the counsel—whether good or ill—that shaped subsequent events. Historical Setting Shimeah lived during the transition from the judges to the united monarchy under Saul and David. As an elder brother, he would have witnessed Samuel’s anointing of David, the rise and fall of Saul, and the consolidation of the kingdom. His family resided in Bethlehem, but Shimeah likely relocated to Jerusalem when David established his capital. His presence in the court explains how his son Jonadab became a close confidant to the crown prince Amnon. Family Relationships • Father: Jesse of Bethlehem The placement of Shimeah between the prominent Eliab and the younger David positions him as a bridge generation: old enough to remember shepherd life in Bethlehem, yet contemporary with Israel’s emergence as a regional power. Character and Reputation Scripture offers no direct evaluation of Shimeah’s faith or character. However, two inferences arise: 1. Access to the royal household. Jonadab’s intimacy with David’s sons suggests that Shimeah, though not a military leader like some of his brothers, enjoyed standing within the court. 2. Influence through progeny. Jonadab’s “very shrewd” nature (2 Samuel 13:3) yielded counsel that facilitated Amnon’s sin and later minimized panic in the royal court. Whatever Shimeah’s own disposition, his lineage carried intellectual acuity, illustrating how personal qualities—good or bad—can echo through generations. Theological Themes Hearing and Heeding The root shamaʽ underscores the contrast between hearing God’s voice and merely hearing human schemes. Shimeah’s family displays both extremes: David often “inquired of the LORD” (for example, 2 Samuel 5:19), whereas Amnon and Jonadab manipulated information for sinful ends. The name thus serves as a silent reminder that true honor lies in heeding God. Generational Accountability Shimeah’s appearance amid David’s domestic turmoil illustrates the biblical principle that family decisions reverberate. The events of 2 Samuel 13 set the stage for Absalom’s rebellion, underscoring Numbers 32:23, “be sure your sin will find you out.” Though Shimeah did not instigate the sin, his household was embroiled in its consequences. Ministry Lessons 1. Influence without Prominence Not every believer stands in the spotlight like David; many, like Shimeah, shape history through their children, counsel, and quiet faithfulness. Churches today can honor those whose behind-the-scenes service forms the next generation’s character. 2. The Weight of Counsel Jonadab’s crafty advice to Amnon warns against ungodly counsel within covenant communities. Leaders must foster environments where wisdom is measured against God’s revealed word, not human cleverness. 3. Listening to God Shimeah’s name invites reflection on Jesus’ call, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). Every believer is summoned to move from merely hearing Scripture to obeying it. Christological Perspective David’s family line, including Shimeah, culminates in the Messiah (Matthew 1:6). The presence of flawed figures in that lineage magnifies grace: God sovereignly weaves redemption through ordinary, and sometimes troubled, households. Shimeah’s obscure role accentuates Christ’s sufficiency; the Son of David redeems not only the famous but also the forgotten members of the family tree. Related Names and Comparisons • Shammah (1 Samuel 16:9) – alternate spelling in early narratives Summary Shimeah, though mentioned only twice under the spelling שִׁמְעָה, stands at a crucial intersection of Israel’s monarchy: he is both a witness to David’s rise and the progenitor of Jonadab, whose counsel altered royal history. His name, rooted in the call to hear, challenges every generation to listen to God above all other voices and to recognize that even the quietest lives contribute to the unfolding purposes of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations שִׁמְעָ֖ה שִׁמְעָ֨ה שמעה shimAh šim‘āh šim·‘āhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 13:3 HEB: יֽוֹנָדָ֔ב בֶּן־ שִׁמְעָ֖ה אֲחִ֣י דָוִ֑ד NAS: the son of Shimeah, David's KJV: the son of Shimeah David's INT: Jonadab the son of Shimeah brother David's 2 Samuel 13:32 2 Occurrences |
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