Lexical Summary Shemaah: Shemaah Original Word: שְׁמָעָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shemaah For Shim'ah; Shemaah, an Israelite -- Shemaah. see HEBREW Shim'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shama Definition father of two of David's warriors NASB Translation Shemaah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׁמָעָה proper name, masculine with article הַגִּבְּעָתִי ׳הַשּׁ 1 Chronicles 12:3, Αμα, Σαμαα, ᵐ5L Ασμα. Topical Lexicon Name and Theological Nuance Shemaah, a masculine proper name drawn from the Hebrew verb shamaʿ (“to hear”), carries the sense, “Yahweh has heard.” Embedded in the name is a confession that the covenant God listens and answers, echoing texts such as Psalms 34:15 and 1 John 5:14–15. Biblical Occurrence Shemaah is mentioned once, in 1 Chronicles 12:3, as the father of Ahiezer and Joash, “the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,” who joined David at Ziklag. Though his own actions are not narrated, his identity is preserved through his sons’ allegiance to David. Historical Setting 1 Chronicles 12 recounts the gradual unification of Israel under David while Saul still reigned. Verses 1–7 list Benjamites—Saul’s own kinsmen—who defected to David. Gibeah, their hometown, had been Saul’s capital (1 Samuel 15:34). For warriors from that very city to forsake Saul and follow David highlighted the Spirit-led shift of loyalty foretold in 1 Samuel 15:28. Shemaah’s household therefore stands at a strategic hinge in Israel’s monarchy: the transition from a people divided by tribal loyalties to a nation united under a king “after God’s own heart.” Family Line and Tribal Identity The Chronicler supplies the detail “the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite” to show that opposition to David was not unanimous in Benjamin. While some Benjamites clung to Saul, Shemaah’s family discerned the Lord’s choice and acted accordingly. Their presence in the Chronicler’s military roster underscores God’s ancient promise that Benjamin would dwell “between His shoulders” (Deuteronomy 33:12) and prophetically anticipates full tribal harmony under the future Son of David. Contribution to the Kingdom Ahiezer is called “their chief,” implying leadership and tactical skill. Joash likewise is placed among elite slingers and archers (1 Chronicles 12:2). Shemaah’s training, values, and faith evidently shaped sons capable of decisive service. By surrendering the security of Saul’s court for the hardships of Ziklag, they embodied the humble beginnings through which God often establishes His kingdom (Matthew 13:31–32). Shemaah’s legacy therefore lies not in personal exploits but in godly offspring who strengthened David at a vulnerable moment. Spiritual Themes 1. God hears and answers: The narrative confirms the theology implicit in the name—Yahweh “heard” David’s need and answered through unexpected Benjamite allies. Ministry Applications • Parenting and discipleship: Leaders in church and home may not achieve public recognition, yet their investment in successors is invaluable. Encouraging the next generation to discern God’s voice and align with His anointed remains central. Summary Though appearing only once, Shemaah stands as a vital link in the chain of providence. His name testifies that the Lord hears; his sons prove that allegiance to God’s chosen king transcends human loyalties; and his legacy invites every generation to invest quietly yet decisively in the advance of God’s kingdom. Forms and Transliterations הַשְּׁמָעָ֣ה השמעה haš·šə·mā·‘āh hashshemaAh haššəmā‘āhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 12:3 HEB: וְיוֹאָ֗שׁ בְּנֵי֙ הַשְּׁמָעָ֣ה הַגִּבְעָתִ֔י [וִיזוּאֵל NAS: the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; KJV: the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; INT: Joash the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite Jeziel 1 Occurrence |