Shimeath is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative surrounding the assassination of King Joash of Judah. The name Shimeath is of Hebrew origin, and while the meaning of the name is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, it is often associated with the idea of "fame" or "report."

Biblical References:

Shimeath is primarily noted in the account of King Joash's assassination, which is recorded in two parallel passages: 2 Kings 12:20-21 and 2 Chronicles 24:25-26. In these accounts, Shimeath is identified as the mother of one of the conspirators involved in the plot against the king.

In 2 Chronicles 24:25-26 , the text states: "When they had withdrawn from him (Joash)—for they left him severely wounded—his own servants conspired against him because of the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him on his bed. So he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. Those who conspired against Joash were Zabad son of Shimeath the Ammonite and Jehozabad son of Shimrith the Moabite."

Context and Significance:

Shimeath is described as an Ammonite, indicating her non-Israelite origin. The Ammonites were a neighboring people often in conflict with Israel, and their presence in the narrative highlights the complex social and political interactions of the time. The involvement of Shimeath's son, Zabad, in the assassination of Joash underscores the internal strife and betrayal within the kingdom of Judah.

The assassination of Joash is a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, marking the end of his reign and reflecting the consequences of his actions, particularly his turning away from the reforms instituted by Jehoiada the priest. The narrative suggests that the conspiracy against Joash was, in part, divine retribution for his apostasy and the murder of Jehoiada's sons.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Shimeath and her son in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual decline that can occur when leaders forsake their covenantal responsibilities. The involvement of foreign elements in the internal affairs of Judah also illustrates the broader theme of Israel's struggle to maintain its distinct identity and faithfulness amidst surrounding pagan influences.

The account of Shimeath and her son Zabad is a testament to the intricate tapestry of personal, political, and spiritual dynamics that characterize the biblical narrative, offering insights into the challenges faced by the people of God in maintaining their covenantal relationship with Him.Shimeath

(feminine of Shimeah), an Ammonitess, mother of Jozachar or Zabad, one of the murderers of King Joash. (2 Kings 12:21) (22); 2Chr 24:26 (B.C. 809.)

SHIMEATH

shim'-e-ath (shim`ath, or shim`ath; the Septuagint in 2 Kings, Iemouath, Codex Vaticanus in 2 Chronicles, Sama, Codex Alexandrinus Samath, Lucian, Samaath): Father of Jozacar (2 Kings 12:21 (22)), one of the murderers of Joash, king of Judah. According to 2 Chronicles 24:26 Shimeath is an Ammonitess and the mother, not the father, of Jozacar. Many textual emendations have been suggested (compare HDB, article "Shimeath"), but they are unnecessary, as the Chronicler's revised version of the incident in Kings was a deliberate one. The Chronicler was a sturdy opponent of intermarriage, and in the story of the assassination of King Joash he saw an opportunity to strike a blow against the hated practice. In the older account in Kings the names of the conspirators are given as "Jozakar the son of shim`ath, and Jehozabad the son of shemer." The two names are both masculine; but the final taw (t) of the former looked to the Chronicler like the feminine ending and offered him his opportunity. In his account, the one of the two murderers (dastardly villains, even though the king had merited death) was "the son of (shim`ath), the Ammonitess" and the other was "the son of (shimrith), the Moabitess" (compare Torrey, Ezra Studies, 212;).

Horace J. Wolf.

8100. Shimath -- an Ammonite woman
... 8099, 8100. Shimath. 8101 . an Ammonite woman. Transliteration: Shimath
Phonetic Spelling: (shim-awth') Short Definition: Shimeath. ...
/hebrew/8100.htm - 6kShimeath (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHIMEATH. ... According to 2 Chronicles 24:26 Shimeath
is an Ammonitess and the mother, not the father, of Jozacar. ...
/s/shimeath.htm - 8k

Zabad (8 Occurrences)
... (4) Son of Shimeath the Ammonitess (2 Chronicles 26); he was one of the murderers
of King Joash of Judah; called "Jozacar" in 2 Kings 12:21 (Hebrew verse 22). ...
/z/zabad.htm - 11k

Jehozabad (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer,
his servants, struck him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in ...
/j/jehozabad.htm - 8k

Shim'e-ath (1 Occurrence)
Shim'e-ath. Shimeath, Shim'e-ath. Shimeathites . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Shimeath, Shim'e-ath. Shimeathites . Reference Bible.
/s/shim'e-ath.htm - 6k

Shomer (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHOMER. sho'-mer (shomer): (1) The father of one
of the conspirators who killed Joash (2 Kings 12:21). See SHIMEATH. ...
/s/shomer.htm - 8k

Jozacar (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer,
his servants, struck him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in ...
/j/jozacar.htm - 7k

Jeho'zabad (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 24:26 And these are they that conspired against him: Zabad the son
of Shimeath the Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess. ...
/j/jeho'zabad.htm - 6k

Jozabad (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer,
his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in ...
/j/jozabad.htm - 11k

Murdered (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer,
his servants, struck him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in ...
/m/murdered.htm - 14k

Moabitess (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 24:26 These are those who conspired against him: Zabad the son of Shimeath
the Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess. ...
/m/moabitess.htm - 9k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus