The Hebrew name Shᵉmîyrâmôwth, represented by H8070, translates to name of heights. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible and is the name given to two Israelites. The name is consistently associated with Levites who were assigned specific duties related to worship and religious instruction.
The name Shᵉmîyrâmôwth H8070 appears in contexts of organized Levitical service. One Shemiramoth is listed as a musician appointed to play psalteries H5035 with Benaiah H1141 and others 1 Chronicles 15:20. This individual is also identified among the brethren H251 of the second H4932 degree who served as porters H7778 1 Chronicles 15:18. In a separate account, another Shemiramoth is named as one of the Levites H3881 sent by King Jehoshaphat, along with priests H3548, to teach in the cities of Judah 2 Chronicles 17:8.
Several related words help clarify the roles associated with Shᵉmîyrâmôwth H8070:
- H3881 Lêvîyiy (a Levite or descendant of Levi): This term identifies the tribal lineage and sacred function of Shemiramoth, who is explicitly named as a Levite H3881 on a teaching mission 2 Chronicles 17:8.
- H5035 nebel (psaltery): This describes a musical instrument, likely a lyre, that Shemiramoth was appointed to play during worship services 1 Chronicles 15:20.
- H3658 kinnôwr (harp): This term for a harp is used to describe the instruments played alongside Shemiramoth and the other musicians 1 Chronicles 16:5.
- H7778 shôwʻêr (porter): Meaning a doorkeeper, this designates one of the official duties assigned to Shemiramoth as part of the temple service 1 Chronicles 15:18.
The significance of H8070 is found in its representation of dedicated service within Israel's formal worship structure.
- Organized Worship: The individuals named Shemiramoth were part of officially appointed groups responsible for music and service, highlighting the importance of order in worship. One was listed with Asaph H623 the chief H7218 musician 1 Chronicles 16:5.
- Communal Service: In every verse, Shemiramoth is mentioned within a list of other Levites, such as Zechariah H2148, Jehiel H3171, and Unni H6042 (1 Chronicles 15:18, 1 Chronicles 15:20). This emphasizes the collaborative nature of the ministry.
- Spiritual Duties: The roles assigned to Shemiramoth were not merely functional but spiritual, involving playing music before the Lord and teaching His law to the people 2 Chronicles 17:8.
In summary, Shᵉmîyrâmôwth H8070 is the name of individuals who fulfilled essential Levitical roles in the life of Israel. Though not a primary figure, the name, meaning "name of heights," is attached to those who served as musicians, porters, and teachers during pivotal moments of religious activity. These accounts demonstrate the importance of the many individuals who worked together to maintain the worship and spiritual instruction of their nation.
TRV