The Hebrew name Shemʼêber, represented by H8038, translates as "name of pinion, i.e. illustrious" and identifies a king of Zeboim. This name is highly specific, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The sole appearance of Shemʼêber is in Genesis 14:2. In this verse, he is named as the king H4428 of Zeboiim H6636. He is listed as part of a coalition of five kings from the cities of the plain who made H6213 war H4421. This alliance also included the kings of Sodom H5467, Gomorrah H6017, Admah H126, and Bela H1106.
The context of Shemʼêber is defined by several key terms from his only appearance:
- H4428 melek (a king): This is the title given to Shemeber, establishing his role as a royal ruler Genesis 14:2.
- H6636 Tsᵉbôʼîym (gazelles; Tseboim or Tsebijim, a place in Palestine): This identifies the city-state over which Shemeber ruled Genesis 14:2.
- H4421 milchâmâh (a battle... war): This word describes the event where Shemeber is mentioned, as he and his allies engaged in warfare Genesis 14:2.
- H126 ʼAdmâh (earthy; Admah, a place near the Dead Sea): The kingdom of one of Shemeber's allies in the conflict Genesis 14:2.
- H5467 Çᵉdôm (burnt... district; Sedom, a place near the Dead Sea): The prominent city in the alliance that went to war Genesis 14:2.
While Shemʼêber is a minor figure, his name carries significance through its associations within the biblical narrative:
- A Symbol of Earthly Kingdoms: As a king H4428, Shemeber represents the human political structures and conflicts of his era. His participation in this war H4421 highlights the worldly strife that serves as a backdrop to the patriarchal narratives.
- Association with Condemned Cities: Shemeber is the ruler of Zeboiim H6636, one of the cities of the plain. These cities, including Sodom H5467, Gomorrah H6017, and Admah H126, become archetypes of wickedness and are later referenced as examples of God's overthrow and judgment Deuteronomy 29:23.
In summary, Shemʼêber H8038 is the name of the king of Zeboiim. He is mentioned a single time in Scripture as a participant in a historic war alongside the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Bela Genesis 14:2. While his role is brief, his identity is permanently linked to the coalition of the cities of the plain, which serve in the broader biblical narrative as examples of worldly rebellion and divine judgment.
TRV