Shemer שֶׁ֫מֶר
Original owner of Samaria
Who is Shemer in the Bible?
Shemer was the original owner of the hill of Samaria during the reign of King Omri of Israel. According to 1 Kings 16:24, Omri purchased the hill from Shemer for two talents of silver and then built a city upon it, naming it Samaria after its former owner. This transaction proved historically significant, as Samaria became the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel and played a major role in the nation's political and religious history. Beyond this land sale, scripture provides no additional details about Shemer's life or background.
Biography
Shemer was the original owner of the hill of Samaria, which would later become the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. According to 1Ki.16.24, Omri, the king of Israel, bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver. Omri then built a city on the hill and named it Samaria, after Shemer, the previous owner of the land. This transaction marked the establishment of a new capital for the northern kingdom, which would play a significant role in the history of Israel. Apart from this land sale, no other information is provided about Shemer's life or background.
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Kings 1 verse
- 1 Kings 16:24
"He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city there, calling it Samaria after the name of Shemer, who had owned the hill."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שֶׁ֫מֶר |