### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.
TRV