The Hebrew word Chammûwʼêl, represented by H2536, translates as anger of God. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, identifying a specific Israelite named Hamuel. Its significance lies not in a broader narrative but in its etymology and its singular appearance within a biblical genealogy.
The sole mention of H2536 is in a genealogical record within the book of 1 Chronicles. The verse establishes a direct lineage, stating, "And the sons of Mishma; Hamuel his son, Zacchur his son, Shimei his son" 1 Chronicles 4:26. In this context, Hamuel is identified as the son of Mishma and part of a recorded ancestral line. His name serves as a marker in the preservation of the family history of Mishma's descendants.
Several related words appear alongside H2536 in its only scriptural context:
- H4927 Mishmâʻ (Mishma): This is the name of Hamuel's father, an Israelite whose descendants are being listed 1 Chronicles 4:25.
- H1121 bên (son): This crucial term for establishing lineage appears multiple times in the verse to connect each generation, defining Hamuel as the son of Mishma and Zacchur as his son 1 Chronicles 4:26. It is a foundational word for building family history throughout scripture Deuteronomy 4:9.
- H2139 Zakkûwr (Zacchur): Listed as the son of Hamuel, his name means "mindful" and he continues the family line 1 Chronicles 4:26. He is also mentioned in other genealogical contexts Nehemiah 3:2.
- H8096 Shimʻîy (Shimei): Meaning "famous," this is the name of the son of Zacchur, completing the three-generation list that begins after Mishma 1 Chronicles 4:26. Shimei is a common name found in many Israelite family lines Esther 2:5.
The theological weight of H2536 is derived entirely from its definition.
- Theophoric Name: The name Hamuel is theophoric, incorporating the name of God (אֵל, El). This was a common practice in ancient Israel to associate an individual with the divine.
- Divine Attribute: The name literally means "anger of God." This could reflect the circumstances surrounding his birth or a desire by his parents to acknowledge a specific aspect of God's character.
- Genealogical Preservation: While the individual is obscure, his inclusion in the biblical record underscores the theological importance of lineage. Preserving this name in scripture affirms his place within the heritage of his people as recorded in the annals of Israel 1 Chronicles 4:26.
In summary, H2536 is a name, not a common noun, that appears once in scripture. Its significance is twofold: its meaning, "anger of God," provides a glimpse into the theological mindset of ancient Israelites, while its presence in a genealogy 1 Chronicles 4:26 demonstrates the biblical emphasis on preserving family history and identity. Though Hamuel plays no active role in any biblical narrative, his name is preserved as a link in the ancestral chain of his people.
TRV