### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Shimshay**, represented by `{{H8124}}`, is the name of a Samaritan official, meaning **sunny**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Ezra. Shimshay is identified as a key figure in the opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Shimshay** `{{H8124}}` consistently appears with his superior, Rehum the chancellor. His official title is "the **scribe**" `{{H5613}}`. Together, they wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes to express their opposition to the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem [[Ezra 4:8]]. This letter represented not just them but also their "companions," a coalition of various peoples settled in the region [[Ezra 4:9]]. After King Artaxerxes sent a reply favorable to their cause [[Ezra 4:17]], **Shimshay** and Rehum went to Jerusalem and forced the Jews to cease their work by "force and power" [[Ezra 4:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Shimshay's role and associations:
* `{{H7348}}` **Rᵉchûwm** (Rehum): This is the name of the **chancellor** who was Shimshay's primary collaborator. Every mention of Shimshay occurs alongside **Rehum** [[Ezra 4:8]].
* `{{H5613}}` **çâphêr** (scribe): This is the specific title given to Shimshay, defining his official role in the Persian administration. He is repeatedly called "Shimshai the **scribe**" ([[Ezra 4:9]], [[Ezra 4:17]], [[Ezra 4:23]]).
* `{{H1169}}` **bᵉʻêl** ([phrase] chancellor): This Aramaic term for "master" is used as the title for Shimshay's superior, Rehum. The dossier shows him as "Rehum the **chancellor**" [[Ezra 4:9]].
* `{{H2942}}` **ṭᵉʻêm** ([phrase] chancellor, decree, command): This word, meaning judgment or account, is used in combination with `{{H1169}}` to form Rehum's title of **chancellor** [[Ezra 4:8]]. It also refers to the royal **decree** that empowered their actions.
### Theological Significance
The narrative importance of `{{H8124}}` is defined by his actions in the post-exilic period.
* **Official Opposition:** Shimshay was not a private citizen but an official **scribe** `{{H5613}}` who used his position within the Persian government to actively oppose the rebuilding of Jerusalem [[Ezra 4:8]].
* **Political Agent:** He acted as an agent of King Artaxerxes's authority. Upon receiving the king's letter, he and Rehum immediately enforced the command to halt construction [[Ezra 4:23]].
* **Key Antagonist:** Alongside Rehum, Shimshay is a central antagonist in the narrative of Ezra 4. Their letter and subsequent actions are the direct cause for the cessation of work on the temple and city walls.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8124}}` **Shimshay** is a significant historical figure within the book of Ezra, representing the official and organized political resistance faced by the Jews upon their return from exile. Always mentioned in tandem with Rehum the chancellor, his role as the **scribe** `{{H5613}}` who authored the letter of opposition and enforced the subsequent decree is crucial to understanding the challenges and delays in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
TRV