Ishmerai
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Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical References:
Ishmerai is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin in the Old Testament. The primary reference to Ishmerai is found in 1 Chronicles 8:18.

1 Chronicles 8:18 : "Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal."

Genealogical Context:
Ishmerai is listed as one of the sons of Elpaal, a descendant of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles 8 provide a detailed account of the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the importance of family heritage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. The tribe of Benjamin held a significant position among the tribes of Israel, being the tribe of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and later, the Apostle Paul.

Historical and Cultural Background:
The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve not only as a record of ancestry but also as a means of establishing the legitimacy and continuity of the Israelite tribes after the Babylonian exile. The chronicler's emphasis on lineage underscores the restoration of Israel's identity and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

The tribe of Benjamin, to which Ishmerai belonged, was known for its warriors and played a crucial role in the history of Israel. Despite being one of the smaller tribes, Benjamin's strategic location and military prowess were significant in the defense and governance of the nation.

Theological Significance:
While Ishmerai himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical record reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Each name in these genealogies represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive history, pointing to the continuity of His promises from generation to generation.

The genealogies also highlight the importance of individual roles within the community of faith. Although Ishmerai's specific contributions are not detailed, his presence in the record affirms the value of every member within the body of Israel, contributing to the unfolding of God's divine plan.

Lessons for Believers:
The mention of Ishmerai, though brief, serves as a reminder of the significance of heritage and identity in the life of faith. Believers are encouraged to recognize their place within the larger account of God's people, understanding that each person has a role to play in the fulfillment of God's purposes. The genealogies challenge Christians to appreciate their spiritual heritage and to live faithfully in light of God's promises.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Ishmerai

keeper, or keeping

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Ishmerai

(whom Jehovah keeps), a Benjamite, one of the family of Elpaal. (1 Chronicles 8:18) (B.C. before 538.)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ISHMERAI

ish'-me-ri (yishmeray, from shamar, meaning "to hedge about," i.e. "to guard," and therefore a "guard," "protector"): A descendant of Benjamin, son of Epaal, resident of Jerusalem, one of the "heads of fathers' houses throughout their generations, chief men" (1 Chronicles 8:18).

Strong's Hebrew
3461. Yishmeray -- "preserver," a Benjamite
... 3460, 3461. Yishmeray. 3462 . "preserver," a Benjamite. Transliteration: Yishmeray
Phonetic Spelling: (yish-mer-ah'-ee) Short Definition: Ishmerai. ... Ishmerai ...
/hebrew/3461.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Ishmerai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ISHMERAI. ish'-me-ri (yishmeray ... 8:18).
Multi-Version Concordance Ishmerai (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/i/ishmerai.htm - 7k

Ish'merai (1 Occurrence)
Ish'merai. Ishmerai, Ish'merai. Ishod . ... Ish'merai (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles
8:18 and Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, were the sons of Elpaal. (See RSV). ...
/i/ish'merai.htm - 6k

Jobab (9 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 8:18 and Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, the sons
of Elpaal, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/jobab.htm - 10k

Jezliah (1 Occurrence)
... See IZLIAH. Multi-Version Concordance Jezliah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:18
Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal; (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/j/jezliah.htm - 7k

Izliah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Izliah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:18 and Ishmerai,
and Izliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). ...
/i/izliah.htm - 6k

Ishmeelites

/i/ishmeelites.htm - 6k

Izli'ah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Izli'ah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:18 and Ishmerai,
and Izliah, and Jobab, were the sons of Elpaal. (See RSV). ...
/i/izli'ah.htm - 6k

Elpaal (3 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 8:18 and Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, the
sons of Elpaal, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/elpaal.htm - 7k

Elpa'al (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 8:18 and Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, were the sons of Elpaal.
(See RSV). Elpaal, Elpa'al. Elpalet . Reference Bible.
/e/elpa'al.htm - 7k

Resources
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Concordance
Ishmerai (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 8:18
and Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Ishmerai

Ishmerai: A Chief Benjamite

Related Terms

Ishod (1 Occurrence)

Ishmerai (1 Occurrence)

Ishmeelites
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