Sheva
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Topical Encyclopedia
Overview:
Sheva is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of King David's reign. The name Sheva appears in genealogical records and is associated with the administrative structure of David's kingdom. The name is sometimes considered a variant of "Shavsha" or "Seraiah," depending on the manuscript tradition and translation.

Biblical References:
Sheva is mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:25, where he is identified as the scribe or secretary during the reign of King David. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests." This role was significant in the administration of the kingdom, as the scribe was responsible for maintaining records, drafting official documents, and possibly overseeing correspondence.

Role and Function:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the position of a scribe was crucial for the functioning of the royal court. Scribes were educated individuals who could read and write, skills that were not widespread at the time. As a scribe, Sheva would have been involved in the documentation of legal matters, royal decrees, and possibly the recording of historical events. His role would have required a high level of trust and integrity, as he would have had access to sensitive information and the inner workings of the kingdom.

Genealogical Considerations:
The identification of Sheva with other names such as Shavsha or Seraiah arises from variations in the biblical text and translations. In 1 Chronicles 18:16, the parallel passage lists "Shavsha" as the scribe, while in 2 Samuel 8:17, "Seraiah" is mentioned. These discrepancies are often attributed to differences in manuscript traditions or transliteration practices over time. Despite these variations, the role and function of the individual remain consistent across the accounts.

Historical and Theological Significance:
Sheva's position as a scribe under King David highlights the organized and bureaucratic nature of David's administration. This structure was essential for maintaining order and governance over the united tribes of Israel. From a theological perspective, the mention of Sheva and other officials in David's court underscores the importance of leadership and the delegation of responsibilities in fulfilling God's covenantal promises to Israel.

Cultural Context:
The role of a scribe in ancient Israel was not only administrative but also cultural. Scribes were often involved in the preservation and transmission of religious texts and traditions. This connection between administrative duties and religious responsibilities reflects the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where governance and faith were deeply intertwined.

Conclusion:
While Sheva is a relatively minor figure in the biblical narrative, his role as a scribe during King David's reign provides insight into the administrative and organizational aspects of ancient Israel. His mention in the genealogical and administrative records of the Bible serves as a testament to the complexity and sophistication of David's kingdom.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Sheva

vanity; elevation; fame; tumult

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Sheva

(Jehovah contends).

  1. The scribe or royal secretary of David. (2 Samuel 20:26) He is called elsewhere MERAIAH, (2 Samuel 8:17) SHISHA, (1 Kings 4:3) And SHANSHA. (1 Chronicles 18:16) (B.C. 1015.)
  2. Son of Caleb ben-Hezron by his concubine Maachah. (1 Chronicles 2:49) (B.C. about 1445.)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Hebrews Shebher.

(1.) The son of Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:49).

(2.) Hebrews Sheva', one of David's scribes (2 Samuel 20:25).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHEVA

she'-va (shewa'; Codex Vaticanus Saou; Codex Alexandrinus Saoul, Lucian, Soue):

(1) A son of Caleb by his concubine Maacah (1 Chronicles 2:49).

(2) See SHAVSHA.

Strong's Hebrew
7724a. Sheva -- two Israelites
... 7724, 7724a. Sheva. 7724b . two Israelites. Transliteration: Sheva Short
Definition: Sheva. ... NASB Word Usage Sheva (2). 7724, 7724a. Sheva. 7724b . ...
/hebrew/7724a.htm - 5k

7864. Sheya -- Sheva
... 7863, 7864. Sheya. 7865 . Sheva. Transliteration: Sheya Phonetic Spelling:
(sheh-yaw') Short Definition: Sheva. Word Origin see Sheva. Sheva ...
/hebrew/7864.htm - 5k

7773. sheva -- cry
... 7772, 7773. sheva. 7774 . cry. Transliteration: sheva Phonetic Spelling:
(sheh'-vah) Short Definition: help. ... 7772, 7773. sheva. 7774 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/7773.htm - 5k

7724. Shva' -- two Israelites
... two Israelites. Transliteration: Shva' Phonetic Spelling: (shev-aw') Short Definition:
Sheva. Sheva From the same as shav'; false; Sheva, an Israelite -- Sheva. ...
/hebrew/7724.htm - 5k

7775. shavah -- a cry for help
... for help (5). crying. Feminine of sheva'; a hallooing -- crying. see HEBREW
sheva'. 7774, 7775. shavah. 7776 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7775.htm - 6k

Library

After the Scripture.
... Dalet hataf qamats Lamed segol Samekh sheva Kaf hiriq Bet dagesh sheva), literally,
"for a' loin to thee." And because the loins are a man's strength, it is ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii after the scripture.htm

Footnotes
... 55 Pointing {HEBREW LETTER ALEF}{HEBREW LETTER TAV} with Patah-Sheva for
Tsere. 56 Pointing {HEBREW LETTER LAMED}{HEBREW LETTER ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/footnotes.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... He also set Adoram over the tribute, and Sabathes and Achilaus over the records.
He made Sheva the scribe, and appointed Zadok and Abiathar the high priests. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

Thesaurus
Sheva (2 Occurrences)
... (1.) The son of Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:49). (2.) Hebrews Sheva', one of David's scribes
(2 Samuel 20:25). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEVA. ...
/s/sheva.htm - 7k

Gibea (1 Occurrence)
... GIBEA. gib'-ea (gibh`a', "hill"): A grandson of Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:49). His father
was Sheva, whose mother was Maacah, Caleb's concubine (1 Chronicles 2:48). ...
/g/gibea.htm - 7k

Shethar-boznai (4 Occurrences)
Shethar-boznai. Shetharboznai, Shethar-boznai. Sheva . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(DBY WBS YLT). Shetharboznai, Shethar-boznai. Sheva . Reference Bible.
/s/shethar-boznai.htm - 9k

Gib'ea (1 Occurrence)
... Gib'ea (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:49 And the wife of Shaaph the father of Madmannah
bore Sheva the father of Machbenah and the father of Gibea. ...
/g/gib'e-a.htm - 6k

Machbena (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 2:49 She bore also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father
of Machbena, and the father of Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah. ...
/m/machbena.htm - 7k

Machbe'nah (1 Occurrence)
... Machbe'nah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:49 And the wife of Shaaph the father of
Madmannah bore Sheva the father of Machbenah and the father of Gibea. ...
/m/machbe'nah.htm - 6k

Machbenah (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 2:49 She bare also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father
of Machbenah, and the father of Gibea: and the daughter of Caleb was Achsa. ...
/m/machbenah.htm - 6k

Macbenah (1 Occurrence)
... Macbenah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:49 And the wife of Shaaph the father of
Madmannah bore Sheva the father of Machbenah and the father of Gibea. ...
/m/macbenah.htm - 6k

Madmannah (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:49 She bore also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father
of Machbena, and the father of Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah. ...
/m/madmannah.htm - 8k

Madman'nah (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:49 And the wife of Shaaph the father of Madmannah bore Sheva
the father of Machbenah and the father of Gibea. And ...
/m/madman'nah.htm - 6k

Resources
What are the Noahide Laws, and are they biblical? | GotQuestions.org

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