### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H8100, Shimʻath (שִׁמְעַת), is a feminine proper noun. It is derived from the Hebrew root שֵׁמַע (shema, `{{H8088}}`), which signifies "hearing," "report," "rumor," or "fame." As a feminine form, Shimʻath thus carries the nuance of "annunciation," "that which is heard," or "a report." In its usage as a proper name, its semantic range is limited to its identification of a specific individual, but the etymology provides insight into its potential meaning for the individual or the cultural context from which the name originated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun Shimʻath (שִׁמְעַת) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 12:21]]:
"For Jozachar the son of Shimʻath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead."
In this sole occurrence, Shimʻath is identified as the mother of Jozachar, one of the two servants responsible for the assassination of King Joash of Judah. The parallel account in [[2 Chronicles 24:26]] presents a slight variation, naming the mother as "Shimrith, a Moabitess" (שִׁמְרִית הַמּוֹאָבִיָּה). This discrepancy (Shimʻath the Ammonitess vs. Shimrith the Moabitess) is a point of scholarly discussion, often attributed to scribal variation or a broader regional designation. Regardless, both accounts identify her as a foreign woman. The context is the tragic end of King Joash's reign, marked by his apostasy and the murder of the prophet Zechariah, son of Jehoiada. The assassins are presented as agents of divine judgment against the king's unfaithfulness. Shimʻath's role is purely genealogical, serving to identify one of the individuals involved in this pivotal event. Her foreign origin subtly underscores the complex social and ethnic dynamics within the kingdom of Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H8088}}` שֵׁמַע (shema):** This noun is the direct root of Shimʻath, meaning "hearing," "report," or "rumor." It is fundamental to understanding the etymological meaning of the proper name.
* **`{{H8085}}` שָׁמַע (shama):** The verbal root, "to hear," "to listen," and crucially, "to obey." This is the core concept from which Shimʻath and many other related words derive. The theological importance of "hearing" and "obeying" God's voice is central to Israelite faith, encapsulated in the Shema ([[Deuteronomy 6:4]]).
* **`{{H8092}}` שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimʻon):** Simeon, a common Israelite name meaning "one who hears" or "hearing," directly related to the same root.
* **`{{H8093}}` שְׁמוּאֵל (Shmu'el):** Samuel, often interpreted as "heard of God" or "name of God," also stemming from the concept of hearing.
* **Foreign Women in Israel:** The identification of Shimʻath as an Ammonitess (or Moabitess in the parallel account) links her to a recurring theme in the biblical narrative concerning foreign women. While figures like Ruth the Moabitess are celebrated for their loyalty and faith, other foreign women, particularly those married to Israelite kings, are often associated with the introduction of idolatry and syncretism (e.g., Solomon's foreign wives, [[1 Kings 11:1-8]]). Shimʻath's foreign origin, though not elaborated upon, places her within this broader theological and social discourse.
### Theological Significance
While Shimʻath herself is a minor figure, her name and background contribute to the narrative's theological dimensions. The etymological meaning of her name, "annunciation" or "report," creates an ironic juxtaposition with the "report" of King Joash's assassination. The king's turning away from the Lord and the murder of Zechariah brought about a divine judgment, executed by his own servants. Thus, the "hearing" that led to Joash's demise was not of divine instruction but of human conspiracy and righteous retribution for his apostasy.
Furthermore, Shimʻath's identification as a foreign woman (Ammonitess or Moabitess) subtly highlights the porous boundaries of Israelite society and the pervasive influence of foreign elements, even within the royal court. This detail, though seemingly minor, resonates with the larger biblical narrative of Israel's ongoing struggle to maintain its distinct identity and purity in the face of external pressures and internal compromises, particularly concerning idolatry and intermarriage. By lineage, Shimʻath is indirectly connected to a significant moment of divine judgment against a wayward king, underscoring the sovereignty of God even in the midst of human treachery and the consequences of disobedience.
### Summary
H8100, Shimʻath (שִׁמְעַת), is a feminine proper noun appearing once in [[2 Kings 12:21]], where she is identified as the Ammonitess mother of Jozachar, one of the assassins of King Joash. Derived from שֵׁמַע (`{{H8088}}`), meaning "hearing" or "report," her name conveys "annunciation" or "that which is heard." Although a brief mention, Shimʻath's name and foreign identity are contextually significant. Her name ironically foreshadows the "report" of the king's violent death, a divine judgment for his apostasy. Her foreign origin (Ammonitess, or Moabitess in the parallel [[2 Chronicles 24:26]]) subtly connects her to the broader biblical theme of foreign influence within Israel and the challenges to its spiritual purity. Ultimately, Shimʻath serves as a genealogical marker within a pivotal narrative of divine retribution against a disobedient monarch.
TRV