Who was Shimeam?

Shimeam (שִׁמְעָם, Shimeam), whose name likely means “their fame” or “famous,” is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. He appears in 1 Chronicles 9:38, a chapter that records the post-exilic inhabitants of Jerusalem and provides genealogical background for key families in Israel, particularly from the tribe of Benjamin.

Shimeam is identified as the son of Elpaal and a descendant of Benjamin, Israel’s youngest son. His lineage is part of the historical record of the returned exiles who resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. Though little is recorded about his life or deeds, his mention in the biblical genealogies underscores the importance of lineage, covenant continuity, and the preservation of God’s people through generations.

Biblical Reference

• 1 Chronicles 9:38 (NIV): “Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.”
  • In 1 Chronicles 8:39, a parallel genealogy includes the name Shimeam, identifying him as the son of Azel and thus grandson of Eleasah, linking him directly with the Benjamite line.

• The listing is part of a broader genealogical record from 1 Chronicles 8:1-40 and 1 Chronicles 9:1-44, where the chronicler traces Israelite tribal lines to show continuity and God’s faithfulness to His covenant people.

Cross References

• 1 Chronicles 8:39-40: These verses provide another view of Shimeam’s place within the lineage of Benjamin.

• Genesis 35:16-18, 24: The original record of Benjamin’s birth and his role as one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

• Nehemiah 11:1-24: Records the names of those who settled in Jerusalem post-exile, demonstrating the fulfillment of the restoration promises.

Shimeam’s Place in the Biblical Narrative

While Shimeam is not a figure with a developed personal story in Scripture, his inclusion in the genealogical records serves several key purposes:

1. Covenant Faithfulness: Genealogies like these show that God‘s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continued through the generations—even through exile and restoration. The line of Benjamin remained intact, and Shimeam was a part of that legacy.

2. Tribal Identity: Maintaining tribal affiliations was crucial in Israel’s history, especially after the exile. Each name listed represents a family with a rightful inheritance in the land and in the history of redemption.

3. Restoration: Chronicles was written during or after the return from Babylonian exile. The genealogies served as a powerful reminder that God had not forgotten His people. Every name, including Shimeam’s, affirmed that Israel‘s history—and future—was still in God‘s hands.

Theological Significance

The Value of Every Person in God’s Plan

Even though Shimeam is not a well-known figure, his name’s preservation in Scripture points to the truth that every individual matters in the unfolding story of God’s kingdom. These lists remind us that God‘s covenant includes not just the famous like David or Moses, but also the faithful whose names are known to God, even if they are lost to history.

God’s Faithfulness to His Promises

The Chronicler’s purpose in compiling these genealogies is not merely historical but theological. They affirm that God keeps His promises—even through judgment and exile, God preserved His people and brought them back. Shimeam’s name stands as a quiet testimony to this enduring faithfulness.

pointing to Jesus

The genealogical focus of Chronicles ultimately prepares the way for the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1 and Luke 3). These records affirm that Jesus was born within a real, traceable human lineage rooted in Israel’s tribal families. Though Shimeam himself is not in the direct messianic line, his inclusion illustrates how God used entire tribes and families to bring forth the Savior. Every generation mattered in God‘s redemptive timeline.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Genealogy and Identity

• The preservation of names like Shimeam shows how God values heritage and identity. For Israel, knowing one’s lineage was essential for land rights, priesthood eligibility, and fulfillment of prophecy.

2. Remembrance and Legacy

• In the Bible, remembrance is not just about memory but about legacy and covenant. The inclusion of names in genealogies was a way to honor the legacy of faith and obedience.

3. The Restoration of God’s People

• Chronicles emphasizes restoration. Shimeam’s name in the post-exilic context represents a people not forgotten but re-gathered and restored by God‘s mercy.

4. Christ-Centered Fulfillment

• Every genealogical thread in the Old Testament ultimately finds fulfillment in Christ. As Paul wrote, “All the promises of God find their Yes in Him” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Shimeam’s name, though small in the story, connects to this greater tapestry of redemptive history.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the mention of lesser-known biblical figures like Shimeam encourage you about your own significance in God‘s plan?

2. What can we learn from the genealogies about God‘s view of history and His commitment to individuals and families?

3. How does God’s faithfulness to generations past strengthen your faith in His promises today?

4. Are there ways you can cultivate remembrance and legacy in your own spiritual walk or family?

5. How do the “quiet” names in Scripture challenge our cultural focus on fame and recognition?

Shimeam may not have a dramatic story, but his name is a thread in the grand fabric of God’s redemptive plan—a reminder that no person is forgotten in God‘s eyes, and every life counts in His kingdom purposes.