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Bible Encyclopedias
Shimeathites
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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shim´ḗ - ath - ı̄ts ( שׁמעתים , shim‛āthı̄m ; Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus Σαμαθιείμ , Samathieı́m ; Lucian, Σαμαθείν , Samatheı́n ): A subdivision of the tribe of Caleb ( 1 Chronicles 2:55 ). In the three families mentioned in this passage Jerome saw three distinct classes of religious functionaries: Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) canentes atque resonantes et in tabernaculis commorantes . The Targum has a similar explanation, except that the "Sucathites" are those "covered" with a spirit of prophecy. Bertheau (Handbuch zum Altes Testament ) accepts Jerome's explanation, except that he regards the first class as gate-keepers (Aramaic תּרע , tera‛ = Hebrew שׁער , sha‛ar ). Wellhausen (DGJ , 30 f) finds underlying the three names תּרעה , tir‛āh , a technical term for sacred music-making, שׁמעה , shim‛āh , the Halacha or sacred tradition. Buhl (HWB13 ) derives Shimeathites and Sucathites from unknown places. Keil interprets as descendants from the unknown Shemei (compare Curtis, ICC ). The passage is hopelessly obscure.
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Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Shimeathites'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/s/shimeathites.html. 1915.
