Biblical Reference:
Jishmerai is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin in the Old Testament. His name appears in 1 Chronicles 8:21, where he is listed among the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel.

Scriptural Context:
1 Chronicles 8 provides a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, tracing the lineage from Benjamin himself through various generations. This chapter is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles that records the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the continuity and heritage of the Israelite people. The genealogies serve to establish the historical and familial context for the tribes, particularly after the Babylonian exile, as the Israelites sought to reaffirm their identity and heritage.

1 Chronicles 8:21 :
"Jishmerai, Joash, and Eliezer."

Name Meaning and Significance:
The name Jishmerai is of Hebrew origin and is believed to mean "whom Yahweh keeps" or "Yahweh guards." This reflects a common theme in Hebrew names, where the name itself is a testament to the faith and reliance on God's protection and providence. Names in the Bible often carry significant meaning, reflecting the character or destiny of the individual or the faith of the parents.

Tribal Affiliation:
Jishmerai is associated with the tribe of Benjamin, one of the smaller tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique place in Israelite history, being the tribe of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and later, the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. The Benjaminites were known for their valor and skill in battle, as well as their strategic location between the northern and southern kingdoms.

Historical and Theological Insights:
The inclusion of Jishmerai in the genealogical records underscores the importance of each family and individual in the unfolding narrative of God's people. Genealogies in the Bible are not merely historical records but are theological affirmations of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. They highlight the continuity of God's plan through successive generations, despite the challenges and failures of the people.

The tribe of Benjamin, though small, played a significant role in the history of Israel. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the mention of Jishmerai, serve to remind the post-exilic community of their roots and the enduring faithfulness of God to His people. Through these records, the Israelites could trace their lineage back to the patriarchs, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

Cultural and Religious Context:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and social status. For the Israelites, these records were also a means of preserving the memory of God's acts in history and His ongoing relationship with His people. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the mention of Jishmerai, reflect the broader cultural practice of recording family histories while also serving a distinct theological purpose within the biblical narrative.3461. Yishmeray -- "preserver," a Benjamite
... Ishmerai. From shamar; preservative; Jishmerai, an Israelite -- Ishmerai. see HEBREW
shamar. 3460, 3461. Yishmeray. 3462 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/3461.htm - 6kJishmerai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jishmerai (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:18 and Jishmerai,
and Jizliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal. (DBY). ...
/j/jishmerai.htm - 6k

Jishmaiah (2 Occurrences)

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Jizliah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jizliah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:18 and Jishmerai,
and Jizliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal. (DBY). ...
/j/jizliah.htm - 6k

Jishpah (2 Occurrences)

/j/jishpah.htm - 6k

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