The Hebrew name Shemer, also rendered as Shamer, is represented by H8106. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible and is the name given to three different Israelites. Its primary function is as a personal name identifying individuals within historical accounts and genealogies.
In the biblical narrative, H8106 identifies specific individuals in key historical and genealogical records. The most prominent mention is of Shemer, the man from whom the hill of Samaria was purchased for two talents H3603 of silver H3701. The city H5892 built H1129 on this hill H2022 was called H7121 Samaria H8111 after the name H8034 of Shemer, its owner H113 1 Kings 16:24. Other individuals named Shamer or Shamed are listed in genealogies. One, a son H1121 of Elpaal H508, is credited as a builder H1129 of Ono H207 and Lod H3850 1 Chronicles 8:12. Another Shamer appears in a Levitical lineage as the son H1121 of Bani H1137 1 Chronicles 6:46, while a different Shamer is recorded as the father of four sons H1121: Ahi H277, Rohgah H7303, Jehubbah H3160, and Aram H758 1 Chronicles 7:34.
Several related words provide context for the accounts involving Shemer:
- H7069 qânâh (to buy, possess): This root is used to describe the transaction for the hill of Samaria, where the land was bought from Shemer 1 Kings 16:24. It signifies acquiring ownership or possession through purchase.
- H1129 bânâh (to build): This word is directly connected to two figures named with H8106. A city was built on the hill sold by Shemer 1 Kings 16:24, and Shamed is identified as one who built the towns of Ono and Lod 1 Chronicles 8:12.
- H8034 shêm (name): The legacy of Shemer is preserved through his name, which was given to the city of Samaria as a mark or memorial of his ownership 1 Kings 16:24. It highlights how a name serves as an identifier and implies honor.
- H113 ʼâdôwn (owner, lord): Shemer is explicitly identified as the owner of the hill 1 Kings 16:24, establishing his authority and legal right over the property that would become a capital city.
The significance of H8106 is primarily historical rather than theological, tied to the people and places bearing the name.
- Origin of Samaria: The most significant aspect of H8106 is its link to the founding of Samaria H8111 1 Kings 16:24. While Shemer himself is a neutral figure, the city named after him became the capital of the northern kingdom and a symbol of transgression, oppression, and eventual judgment (Micah 1:5; Amos 6:1).
- The Power of a Name: The story of Shemer demonstrates how a person's name H8034 can be immortalized. The naming of the city Samaria after Shemer, the hill's original owner H113, serves as a permanent memorial, linking him to the destiny of the nation 1 Kings 16:24.
- Genealogical Record: The inclusion of individuals named Shamer in the genealogies of Chronicles (1 Chronicles 6:46; 1 Chronicles 7:34; 1 Chronicles 8:12) underscores the importance of recording lineage and identity within the tribes of Israel, preserving the memory of individuals who contributed to their families and communities.
In summary, Shemer H8106 is a Hebrew name used to identify specific individuals rather than to convey a theological concept. Its most notable use is for the man who sold the hill upon which the city of Samaria was built, forever linking his name to the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel 1 Kings 16:24. The name also appears in several genealogical lists, marking the lineage of certain Israelites (1 Chronicles 6:46; 1 Chronicles 8:12). Ultimately, the legacy of Shemer illustrates how an ordinary person and a land transaction can become the starting point for a place of immense historical and prophetic significance.
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