The Hebrew name Sheber, represented by H7669, identifies a specific Israelite. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its appearance highly specific and tied to a single genealogical entry.
The sole appearance of H7669 is in the genealogical records of the book of Chronicles. Sheber is identified as one of the sons bare H3205 by Maachah H4601, who was the concubine H6370 of Caleb H3612 1 Chronicles 2:48. This mention serves to document his place within the lineage of Caleb and the tribe of Judah.
Several related words from Sheber's genealogical entry provide important context:
- H3612 Kâlêb (Caleb): This is the name of Sheber's father, an Israelite noted for his faithfulness as a spy Numbers 14:24 and his place in the tribe of Judah Numbers 13:6.
- H4601 Maʻăkâh (Maachah): The name of Sheber's mother. The name appears elsewhere in scripture, belonging to individuals such as the mother of King Asa 1 Kings 15:13 and a wife of Rehoboam 2 Chronicles 11:21.
- H6370 pîylegesh (concubine): This term defines Maachah's status in Caleb's household. A concubine was a woman who, while not a primary wife, bore recognized children for a man, as seen in the case of Abraham Genesis 25:6.
- H3205 yâlad (bare): This verb, meaning to bear young or beget, is fundamental to genealogies. It is used to describe the birth of Sheber 1 Chronicles 2:48 and is also found in key passages like the prophecy of a child being born Isaiah 9:6.
- H8647 Tirchănâh (Tirhanah): The name of Sheber's brother, an Israelite mentioned in the same verse 1 Chronicles 2:48.
The significance of H7669 is rooted in its contribution to biblical genealogy rather than in any broader theological concept.
- Genealogical Integrity: Sheber's inclusion highlights the detailed nature of biblical records, which carefully preserve family lines and heritage.
- Lineage of Caleb: The name documents a branch of the family of Caleb H3612, a man praised by the LORD for his faithfulness Numbers 14:24. The preservation of his lineage, even through a concubine, is a key detail in the chronicle.
- Family Structures: The account of Sheber's birth from Maachah H4601, a concubine H6370, acknowledges the role such women and their children played within the family structures of ancient Israel.
In summary, Sheber H7669 is a specific individual whose identity is established by a single biblical reference. He is not a recurring theme but a person noted in the lineage of the faithful spy, Caleb. His inclusion underscores the importance scripture places on detailed genealogical records for preserving the history and heritage of Israel's tribes.
TRV