Shammai שַׁמַּי
Father of Maon, ancestor of Caleb
Who is Shammai in the Bible?
Shammai was an ancestor of Caleb, one of the most faithful figures in the Old Testament, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:44-45. He was the father of Maon, whose son was Beth-zur, placing him several generations back in Caleb's family line within the tribe of Judah. While Shammai himself receives minimal biblical attention, his genealogical connection to Caleb serves to establish the faithful heritage of a man known for his unwavering trust in God during the wilderness wanderings and his courageous report as one of the twelve spies sent to Canaan. Through this genealogical record, Shammai's significance lies in anchoring Caleb's lineage and contributing to the historical documentation of Judah's prominent families.
Biography
Shammai, mentioned in 1Ch.2.44-45, was an ancestor of Caleb, a significant figure in the tribe of Judah. He was the father of Maon, who is described as the father of Beth-zur. The text provides a brief genealogical record, tracing the lineage of Caleb back to Shammai. Caleb is known for his faithfulness and loyalty to God during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. He, along with Joshua, was one of the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan. While the other spies brought back a discouraging report, Caleb and Joshua remained confident in God's promise and encouraged the people to trust in Him. As a result, Caleb was rewarded with a portion of the Promised Land. The mention of Shammai in Caleb's genealogy serves to establish his family background and highlight the significance of his descendants in the history of Israel.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 2:44
"Shema was the father of Raham the father of Jorkeam, and Rekem was the father of Shammai."
- 1 Chronicles 2:45
"The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth-zur."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שַׁמַּי |