The Hebrew word Shimrôwn, represented by H8110, translates to guardianship. It is used as the name of an Israelite and of a place in Palestine. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible.
In the biblical narrative, H8110 identifies both a person and a place. As a person, Shimron is listed as one of the four sons of Issachar (Genesis 46:13, 1 Chronicles 7:1). This lineage gives rise to a family line, the Shimronites Numbers 26:24. As a place, Shimron was a city whose king allied with others against the Israelites Joshua 11:1. It is later mentioned as one of the cities within Israel's allotted territory Joshua 19:15.
Several related words help clarify the context of Shimron's role in establishing family lines:
- H8117 Shimrônîy (Shimronites): This is the patronymic name for the descendants of Shimron. It is used to identify the family of the Shimronites as a distinct clan within Israel Numbers 26:24.
- H3437 Yâshûwb (Jashub): Listed as a brother of Shimron 1 Chronicles 7:1, his descendants are counted alongside the Shimronites, showing the parallel structure of family lines Numbers 26:24.
- H3432 Yâshubîy (Jashubites): The patronymic for Jashub's descendants. The term appears in the census, where the family of the Jashubites is listed with the family of the Shimronites Numbers 26:24.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family): This word is used to designate the clans descended from both Shimron and his brother Jashub, defining them as a family, or circle of relatives Numbers 26:24.
The significance of H8110 is tied to the biblical themes of lineage and land.
- Founding a Lineage: Shimron is named as a patriarch whose descendants form one of the recognized families of Israel. The establishment of the "family of the Shimronites" is part of the formal census of the nation Numbers 26:24.
- Territorial Inheritance: The name is also attached to a specific geographical location. Its journey from an enemy city-state Joshua 11:1 to a town within the Israelite tribal allotment Joshua 19:15 illustrates the theme of conquest and settlement of the promised land.
- The Family Unit: The connection of Shimron to the term mishpâchâh H4940 underscores the importance of the family as the foundational building block of the tribes of Israel.
In summary, H8110 is a proper name with a dual application, marking both a person and a place. Its appearances are crucial for establishing the genealogical records of the tribe of Issachar and for identifying a specific city in Palestine. Through its usage, Shimron plays a role in defining the key biblical concepts of family lineage and territorial identity.
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