The Hebrew word Shimrîyth, represented by H8116, is defined as female guard; Shimrith, a Moabitess. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, identifying a specific individual in the biblical record.
In its sole biblical appearance, H8116 is used as a proper name. Shimrith is identified as the mother of Jehozabad, one of the men who conspired against the king 2 Chronicles 24:26. The text further specifies her national origin, describing her as a Moabitess H4125, linking her identity to a foreign people.
Several related words provide context for the single mention of Shimrith:
- H4125 Môwʼâbîy (a Moabitess): This term describes Shimrith's national identity as a descendant from Moab 2 Chronicles 24:26. The Moabites are mentioned elsewhere as a people with whom Israel was not to associate Nehemiah 13:1.
- H8100 Shimʻath (Shimath): The name of the mother of the other conspirator, Zabad. Like Shimrith, she is identified by her foreign nationality as an Ammonitess 2 Chronicles 24:26.
- H5985 ʻAmmôwnîyth (an Ammonitess): This term is used in parallel with Moabitess to describe Shimeath, highlighting that both conspirators mentioned in the verse were sons of foreign women 2 Chronicles 24:26.
- H7194 qâshar (to conspire): This root verb, meaning to bind together or work treason, describes the action taken by the son of Shimrith, defining the event for which he is remembered 2 Chronicles 24:26.
The mention of H8116 carries significance based on its context.
- Foreign Influence: The identification of Shimrith as a Moabitess H4125 and Shimeath as an Ammonitess H5985 is notable. Scripture elsewhere records prohibitions against the Moabites and Ammonites entering the congregation of God Nehemiah 13:1 and warns against intermarriage with them Ezra 9:1.
- Maternal Lineage: The conspirators are identified by their mothers, Shimrith and Shimeath, rather than their fathers. This emphasis on the mothers, both of foreign descent, marks their identity within the narrative of the conspiracy.
- Association with Treason: The name Shimrith is permanently associated with the act of conspiracy through her son, Jehozabad. The record in 2 Chronicles 24:26 ties this act of treason to the lineage of a Moabitess.
In summary, H8116 Shimrîyth is a name that appears a single time in Scripture. It identifies a specific woman by her name, her son, and her nationality as a Moabitess H4125. The name is indelibly linked to the conspiracy against a king, with the text emphasizing that both conspirators were the sons of foreign women, a Moabitess and an Ammonitess 2 Chronicles 24:26.
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