Who was Shimma?

Shimma (שִׁמְעָא, Shimma), also spelled Shimeah or Shammah in other passages, is a name appearing in genealogical lists in the Old Testament, notably in 1 Chronicles 2:13. The name Shimma comes from the Hebrew root shama (שָׁמַע), meaning “to hear” or “heard.” This suggests a name meaning “heard (by God)” or “the one who hears.” Shimma was a member of the tribe of Judah, specifically one of the sons of Jesse, making him a brother of King David.

Biblical References

Shimma is mentioned in:

• 1 Chronicles 2:13 – “Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; the second son was Abinadab, the third Shimea [Shimma],”

• 1 Samuel 16:9 – “Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, ‘Nor has the Lord chosen this one.’”

• 1 Samuel 17:13 – “Jesse’s three oldest sons had followed Saul to the war: The firstborn was Eliab; the second, Abinadab; and the third, Shammah.”

• 2 Samuel 13:3 – In a possibly different use of the same name, Shimeah (variant of Shimma) is mentioned as the father of Jonadab, the cousin of Amnon.

These references help establish that Shimma was one of David’s older brothers, and likely the same individual as Shammah in Samuel and Shimea in Chronicles, due to the similarity of names and identical family context.

Shimma in the Biblical Narrative

Though Shimma does not play a major role in the biblical narrative, his position as a brother of David places him within a crucial family line in redemptive history. Jesse had eight sons (1 Samuel 17:12), and Shimma was among the elder ones who were present when the prophet Samuel came to anoint a new king of Israel. God passed over Shimma, as well as his older brothers, in favor of the youngest—David—demonstrating that the Lord looks not at outward appearance, but at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Shimma’s family connection meant that he was likely present in Bethlehem during many of the key moments of David’s early life. He may have witnessed the rise of David’s anointing, his victory over Goliath, and the eventual tension between David and Saul. However, the Bible does not record any direct words or actions from Shimma himself.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Shimma’s place in Scripture, though small, highlights the broader truth that God’s purposes are not always tied to human expectations or seniority. As an older brother, Shimma would have been the natural choice in a human lineage for leadership or prominence. But God‘s choice of David shows His sovereign right to call and elevate whom He wills.

This principle is a recurring theme in Scripture—God often chooses the unlikely, the younger, the overlooked, to accomplish His divine plans. It reminds believers that human status does not determine spiritual calling or usefulness in God’s kingdom.

How Shimma’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Shimma’s family line leads directly to Jesus Christ. Matthew’s genealogy traces Jesus‘ lineage through David, the youngest son of Jesse and brother of Shimma (Matthew 1:6-16). Though Shimma was not the chosen one to become king, his family was chosen to bear the Messiah.

This underscores a profound gospel truth: the promises of God are fulfilled through sovereign grace, not human merit. Jesus, the Son of David, came not through the line of the oldest, strongest, or most impressive, but through God’s chosen path.

Shimma’s story—silent as it may seem—contributes to the fulfillment of God‘s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. The gospel is about God choosing the humble to exalt, and this can be traced even through the quiet figures of biblical genealogies.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereign Choice

Shimma, though older than David, was not God’s chosen servant. God’s decision to anoint David teaches that election and calling are rooted in God’s will, not human qualifications (Romans 9:11–13).

2. The Importance of Family Lines

In Hebrew tradition, genealogies were critical in affirming identity and covenantal heritage. Shimma’s inclusion in the genealogy of Jesse affirms the significance of the Davidic line, leading to Christ.

3. The Quiet Faithfulness of the Overlooked

Though we don’t read of Shimma’s deeds, his name preserved in Scripture shows that even those who play background roles in the narrative are seen and known by God. This mirrors many faithful believers today whose service is not public but is precious in God’s sight.

4. The Messianic Line

Shimma’s family is part of the larger tapestry pointing to the Messiah. The unfolding of redemptive history often includes ordinary people whose lives are used by God in extraordinary ways.

Reflection Questions

1. How does God’s choice of David over his older brothers, like Shimma, challenge your own views of leadership and calling?

2. What does Shimma’s silent presence in the biblical story teach you about being faithful even without public recognition?

3. How can genealogies, often overlooked parts of Scripture, help us appreciate God’s detailed and sovereign plan of redemption?

4. In what ways does the story of David’s family point you to the humility and grace of Jesus Christ?

Shimma’s life reminds us that in God’s redemptive work, even seemingly minor characters matter. His inclusion in the biblical record strengthens the truth that every person plays a role in the divine story, and that God values the humble, the faithful, and the unseen.