The Shemidaites are a lesser-known group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. They are descendants of Shemida, who was one of the sons of Gilead, the grandson of Manasseh, and the great-grandson of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). The Shemidaites are thus part of the larger tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Shemidaites is found in the Book of Numbers, which provides a census of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. In Numbers 26:30, the Berean Standard Bible states: "These were the descendants of 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 places the Shemidaites within the context of the broader family of Gilead, highlighting their role as one of the clans that contributed to the population and military strength of the tribe of Manasseh. The genealogical listing underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in the social and religious life of ancient Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Shemidaites, as part of the tribe of Manasseh, would have shared in the inheritance of land on both sides of the Jordan River. The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it received portions of land both in the Transjordan (east of the Jordan River) and in Canaan proper (west of the Jordan River). This dual inheritance is detailed in the Book of Joshua, where the land allotments are described.

The Shemidaites, like other clans within the tribe of Manasseh, would have been involved in the agricultural and pastoral activities typical of the region. Their identity as a clan would have been closely tied to their ancestral land, which was a key aspect of their covenant relationship with God. The land was not only a source of sustenance but also a tangible sign of God's promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Shemidaites in the biblical genealogies serves to affirm the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham. Each clan and tribe, including the Shemidaites, played a role in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan for Israel and, ultimately, for all nations.

The genealogical records, while often overlooked, are integral to understanding the continuity of God's covenantal promises. They remind readers of the importance of heritage, identity, and the communal aspects of faith. The Shemidaites, though not prominent in biblical narratives, are part of the tapestry of God's chosen people, contributing to the history and legacy of Israel.

Conclusion:

The Shemidaites, as descendants of Shemida and part of the tribe of Manasseh, represent a specific lineage within the broader context of Israel's history. Their inclusion in the biblical genealogies underscores the importance of family and tribal identity in the covenant community of Israel. Through their connection to the land and their role in the tribal structure, the Shemidaites contribute to the rich narrative of God's faithfulness to His people.SHEMIDA; SHEMIDAH; SHEMIDAITES

she-mi'-da, she-mi'-da-its (shemidha): A Gileadite clan belonging to Manasseh (Numbers 26:32 Joshua 17:2, Codex Vaticanus Sumareim; Codex Alexandrinus Semirae; Lucian, Samidae; 1 Chronicles 7:19, the King James Version "Shemidah," after whom the Shemidaites (Numbers 26:32) were called).

8062. Shemidai -- descendant of Shemida
... descendant of Shemida. Transliteration: Shemidai Phonetic Spelling: (shem-ee-daw-
ee') Short Definition: Shemidaites. ... of Shemida NASB Word Usage Shemidaites (1). ...
/hebrew/8062.htm - 6kShemidaites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEMIDA; SHEMIDAH; SHEMIDAITES. she ...
Multi-Version Concordance Shemidaites (1 Occurrence). Numbers ...
/s/shemidaites.htm - 7k

Shemida (3 Occurrences)
... SHEMIDA; SHEMIDAH; SHEMIDAITES. ... Numbers 26:32 and of Shemida, the family of
the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. ...
/s/shemida.htm - 8k

Shemidah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEMIDA; SHEMIDAH; SHEMIDAITES.
she-mi'-da, she-mi'-da-its (shemidha): A Gileadite clan belonging ...
/s/shemidah.htm - 7k

Shemidaite (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. ...
/s/shemidaite.htm - 6k

Shemi'daites (1 Occurrence)
Shemi'daites. Shemidaites, Shemi'daites. Sheminith . ... Numbers 26:32 and of Shemida,
the family of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites ...
/s/shemi'daites.htm - 6k

Shemi'da (3 Occurrences)
... Shemi'da (3 Occurrences). Numbers 26:32 and of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites;
and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. (See RSV). ...
/s/shemi'da.htm - 7k

Clan (96 Occurrences)
... NIV). Numbers 26:32 and of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and of
Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. (See NIV). Numbers ...
/c/clan.htm - 32k

Hepher (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hepher (11 Occurrences). Numbers 26:32 and of Shemida,
the family of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. ...
/h/hepher.htm - 11k

He'pherites (1 Occurrence)
... He'pherites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:32 and of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites;
and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. (See RSV). ...
/h/he'pherites.htm - 6k

Hepherites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hepherites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:32 and of Shemida,
the family of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. ...
/h/hepherites.htm - 7k

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