Topical Encyclopedia Shemed is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. His name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Chronicles. The name "Shemed" is believed to mean "name" or "renown," reflecting the importance of names and lineage in the biblical narrative.Biblical References: 1. 1 Chronicles 8:12 : "The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its villages)." This verse situates Shemed within the genealogy of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Shemed is noted as a builder of cities, specifically Ono and Lod, which indicates his role in the development and establishment of these locations. The mention of building cities suggests a position of leadership and influence within his community. Historical and Cultural Context: In the context of ancient Israel, genealogies served not only as records of ancestry but also as a means of establishing identity and heritage. The tribe of Benjamin, to which Shemed belonged, held a significant place among the tribes of Israel. It was known for its warriors and played a crucial role in the history of Israel, including the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul, who was also a Benjamite. The cities of Ono and Lod, associated with Shemed, are historically significant. Ono is mentioned in other biblical texts as a city in the territory of Benjamin (Nehemiah 6:2), while Lod is known in the New Testament as Lydda, where Peter healed Aeneas (Acts 9:32-35). These cities were strategically located and contributed to the economic and social life of the region. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the mention of Shemed in the genealogies underscores the importance of each individual's role in the unfolding of God's plan for His people. The building of cities like Ono and Lod can be seen as part of the divine mandate to cultivate and steward the land, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's people establishing communities that honor Him. The genealogical records in Chronicles serve to remind readers of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, preserving their lineage and heritage through generations. Shemed's inclusion in this lineage highlights the continuity of God's promises and the unfolding of His redemptive history through the tribe of Benjamin and the nation of Israel. Conclusion: While Shemed is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, his mention in the genealogies of Benjamin and his association with the building of cities contribute to our understanding of the historical and theological landscape of ancient Israel. His legacy, though brief in the scriptural record, is part of the larger tapestry of God's work among His people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEMEDshe'-med. Strong's Hebrew 8046b. Shamed -- a descendant of Benjamin... a descendant of Benjamin. Transliteration: Shamed Short Definition: Shemed. Word Origin from shamad Definition a desc. of Benjamin NASB Word Usage Shemed (1). ... /hebrew/8046b.htm - 5k Thesaurus Shemed (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEMED. she'-med. See SHEMER, (4). Multi-Version Concordance Shemed (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ... /s/shemed.htm - 6k Shemer (4 Occurrences) Lod (4 Occurrences) Ono (5 Occurrences) Lydda (3 Occurrences) Elpaal (3 Occurrences) Eber (16 Occurrences) Elpa'al (3 Occurrences) Daughter-towns (17 Occurrences) Misham (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Shemed (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 8:12 Subtopics Related Terms |