The term "Shemidaite" refers to the descendants of Shemida, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Shemidaites are mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the division and inheritance of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Shemidaites is found in the Book of Numbers. In Numbers 26:30-32 , during the second census of the Israelites in the wilderness, the descendants of Manasseh are enumerated: "These were the descendants of Manasseh by their clans: the Makirite clan from Machir, the Gileadite clan from Gilead, the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek, the Asrielite clan from Asriel, the Shechemite clan from Shechem, the Shemidaite clan from Shemida, and the Hepherite clan from Hepher."

This passage highlights the Shemidaites as one of the clans within the tribe of Manasseh, indicating their role in the tribal structure and their share in the inheritance of land.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The tribe of Manasseh was one of the two half-tribes descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob, with the other being Ephraim. Manasseh's inheritance was unique in that it was divided between territories on both sides of the Jordan River. The Shemidaites, as part of this tribe, would have been involved in the settlement and development of these lands.

The genealogical records in the Book of Numbers serve not only as a historical account but also as a means of establishing identity and inheritance rights among the Israelites. The Shemidaites, like other clans, would have had specific responsibilities and roles within the tribal and national structure of Israel.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Shemidaites underscores the importance of lineage and covenant in the biblical narrative. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the detailed genealogies reflect the continuity of God's covenantal faithfulness to His people.

The Shemidaites, as part of the tribe of Manasseh, contribute to the broader narrative of Israel's history, illustrating the diversity and unity within the people of God. Their inclusion in the biblical record serves as a testament to the meticulous care with which God preserved the identity and heritage of His chosen people.

Conclusion:

While the Shemidaites are not extensively detailed in the biblical text, their presence in the genealogical records of Numbers highlights their role within the tribe of Manasseh and the larger narrative of Israel's history. As descendants of Shemida, they are part of the intricate tapestry of God's covenant people, each clan contributing to the fulfillment of divine promises and the unfolding of redemptive history.8062. Shemidai -- descendant of Shemida
... Shemidaites. Patronymically from Shmiyda'; a Shemidaite (collectively) or descendants
of Shemida -- Shemidaites. see HEBREW Shmiyda'. 8061, 8062. ...
/hebrew/8062.htm - 6kShemidaite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shemidaite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:32 and of Shemida,
the family of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. ...
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Shemidah (1 Occurrence)

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Shemidaites (1 Occurrence)

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