### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7719 (שֹׁהַם, *Shôham*) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as שֹׁהַם," explicitly linking it to H7718 (שֹׁהַם, *shoham*), which refers to the onyx stone. Therefore, the core meaning of H7719 is "Shoham," the name of an individual, with its etymological root pointing to the precious gem. Unlike common nouns that possess a broad semantic range, proper nouns like H7719 primarily denote a specific person. However, its connection to H7718 imbues the name with the symbolic and material associations of the onyx stone, suggesting qualities such as preciousness, beauty, and durability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The personal name H7719 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* **[[1 Chronicles 24:27]]**: "The sons of Merari: Jaaziah, Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri."
In this solitary occurrence, Shoham is listed as one of the sons of Jaaziah, a descendant of Merari, one of the three main divisions of the Levites. The context is a genealogical record, detailing the divisions of the priests and Levites for service in the temple during the time of David. The text provides no further information about Shoham's life, actions, or specific role, beyond his inclusion in this lineage. His name simply marks his existence within the meticulously preserved tribal and priestly records, affirming his identity and place within the divinely ordered structure of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is H7718 (שֹׁהַם, *shoham*), the noun for "onyx" or "carnelian," from which the personal name H7719 is derived. The onyx stone holds notable significance in the biblical narrative:
* **Priestly Garments**: Onyx stones were central to the high priest's ephod. Two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, were placed on the shoulders of the ephod as "stones of remembrance" before the Lord ([[Exodus 28:9-12]], [[Exodus 39:6-7]]). This highlights the stone's association with representation, remembrance, and divine presence.
* **Breastplate**: While not always translated as onyx, the stones on the high priest's breastplate (e.g., [[Exodus 28:20]], [[Exodus 39:13]]) underscore the use of precious gems in sacred objects.
* **Tabernacle/Temple Materials**: Onyx stones were among the precious materials contributed by the people for the building of the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 25:7]], [[Exodus 35:9]], [[Exodus 35:27]]) and later for the Temple ([[1 Chronicles 29:2]]). This demonstrates their value and sacred use in worship.
* **Wisdom Literature**: The value of wisdom is often compared to precious stones, including onyx, emphasizing their rarity and desirability ([[Job 28:16]]).
The practice of naming individuals after precious stones was not uncommon in ancient cultures, often reflecting hopes for the child's beauty, value, or strength, or perhaps commemorating an event associated with such a gem.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7719 derives primarily from its etymological link to the onyx stone (H7718) and the broader biblical understanding of names and lineage.
1. **Divine Remembrance and Value**: The onyx stones on the high priest's ephod served as "stones of remembrance." By bearing a name derived from this stone, Shoham's very identity implicitly connects to the concept of being valued and remembered by God. Although an obscure figure, his name's inclusion in the sacred genealogies affirms God's meticulous attention to His covenant people and His preservation of their lineage.
2. **Beauty and Preciousness**: The onyx stone symbolizes beauty, value, and permanence. Naming a child "Shoham" could have been an aspiration for these qualities in the individual's life or a recognition of their preciousness to their family. Theologically, it points to the inherent worth God places on each individual, even those whose lives are not extensively detailed in Scripture.
3. **Order and Identity within God's People**: Shoham's listing within the Levitical genealogies in 1 Chronicles underscores the importance of order, identity, and the fulfillment of roles within God's covenant community. Every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, contributes to the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His kingdom. His name, therefore, is not merely an identifier but a marker of his place within God's chosen people.
### Summary
H7719 (שֹׁהַם, *Shôham*) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name, found once in [[1 Chronicles 24:27]] as a descendant of Merari, a Levite. Its etymological root is H7718 (שֹׁהַם), meaning "onyx stone." While the individual Shoham is not elaborated upon in Scripture, his name carries the symbolic weight of the onyx: preciousness, beauty, and its significant role in the high priestly garments as "stones of remembrance." The theological significance of H7719 lies not in the actions of the person, but in the implications of his name – reflecting divine value, remembrance, and his integral place within the meticulously recorded lineage of God's covenant people.
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