Topical Encyclopedia Shim'e-ath is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative surrounding the reign of King Joash of Judah. The name Shim'e-ath is associated with a significant event in the history of the kingdom of Judah, highlighting the turbulent times during the monarchy.Biblical Reference: Shim'e-ath is mentioned in 2 Kings 12:21 and 2 Chronicles 24:26. In these passages, Shim'e-ath is identified as the mother of one of the conspirators involved in the assassination of King Joash. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account: · 2 Kings 12:21 : "His servants conspired against him and killed Joash at Beth-millo, on the road that goes down to Silla. Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer, his servants, struck him down and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place." · 2 Chronicles 24:26 : "Those who conspired against him were Zabad son of Shimeath the Ammonite and Jehozabad son of Shimrith the Moabite. They struck him down, and he died. And they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings." Historical and Cultural Context: Shim'e-ath is described as an Ammonite, indicating her foreign origin. The Ammonites were a neighboring people often in conflict with Israel and Judah. The mention of her nationality underscores the complex interactions and influences between the Israelites and surrounding nations during this period. The assassination of King Joash marks a significant moment in Judah's history, reflecting the internal strife and political instability that plagued the kingdom. Joash's reign began with promise, as he was initially guided by the high priest Jehoiada, who helped restore the worship of Yahweh and repair the temple. However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's leadership faltered, leading to idolatry and eventual conspiracy against him. Theological Implications: The involvement of Shim'e-ath's son, Zabad (also called Jozabad), in the assassination of Joash highlights themes of divine justice and retribution. Joash's turning away from God and his subsequent actions, including the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, brought about his downfall. The narrative serves as a reminder of the consequences of forsaking God's commandments and the importance of faithful leadership. Legacy: While Shim'e-ath herself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, her mention as the mother of one of Joash's assassins places her within the broader account of Judah's monarchy. Her inclusion in the biblical text serves to provide context and detail to the events surrounding Joash's demise, illustrating the interconnectedness of personal, political, and spiritual dynamics in the history of Israel and Judah. Concordance Shim'e-ath (1 Occurrence)2 Chronicles 24:26 Thesaurus Shim'e-ath (1 Occurrence)Shim'e-ath. Shimeath, Shim'e-ath. Shimeathites . Multi-Version Concordance Shim'e-ath (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 24:26 And these ... /s/shim'e-ath.htm - 6k Shimeath (2 Occurrences) Shimeathites (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |