Shammah
maleUnited MonarchyMeaning: “Astonishment; renown”
The third son of Jesse and a brother of David, also called Shimea, ancestor of David’s nephews Jonadab and Jonathan.
Biography
Shammah (also called Shimea) is the third son of Jesse and a brother of David (1 Samuel 16:9; 1 Chronicles 2:13). Like his elder brothers he passed before Samuel before David's anointing and served in Saul's army (1 Samuel 17:13). He was the father of Jonadab and Jonathan, who appear later in David's court (2 Samuel 13:3; 21:21).
Life Timeline
Passes before Samuel but is not chosen
On the Bible timeline
Shammah belongs to the The United Monarchy era (c. 1050 – 930 BC).
- c. 1010 – 970 BCDavid's Reign
- c. 966 BCSolomon's Temple Built
- c. 930 BCThe Kingdom Divides
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Shammah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Shammah appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 3 books1 Samuel2 verses
1 Samuel 16:9
Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
1 Samuel 17:13
And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
2 Samuel1 verse
2 Samuel 13:3
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
1 Chronicles1 verse
1 Chronicles 2:13
And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third, Shimma: or, Shammah
Frequently asked about Shammah
Who was Shammah in the Bible?
The third son of Jesse and a brother of David, also called Shimea, ancestor of David’s nephews Jonadab and Jonathan.
What does the name Shammah mean?
The name Shammah means “Astonishment; renown”.
What did Shammah do in the Bible?
Shammah served as soldier, of the tribe of Judah.
Who were Shammah's parents?
Shammah was the child of Jesse.
Where does Shammah appear in the Bible?
Shammah is mentioned 4 times across 3 books: 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles.
What can we learn from Shammah?
The story of Shammah touches on themes of jesse, abinadab, armies, first born, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Shammah's life.
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