The Shumathites are a group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the descendants of Judah. They are identified as one of the families or clans that emerged from the lineage of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. The reference to the Shumathites is found in 1 Chronicles 2:53, which states: "The clans of Kiriath-jearim were the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites, and Mishraites. From these descended the Zorathites and Eshtaolites" .

Genealogical Context

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the tribal and familial lines of the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of heritage and covenantal identity. The Shumathites, as part of the clans of Kiriath-jearim, are linked to the broader narrative of Judah's descendants, who played a significant role in the history of Israel. Kiriath-jearim itself is a town with historical and religious significance, known for being a resting place of the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem by King David (1 Samuel 7:1-2).

Cultural and Historical Significance

The mention of the Shumathites, though brief, contributes to the understanding of the tribal organization and settlement patterns in ancient Israel. Each clan or family group had its own role and place within the larger tribal structure, which was integral to maintaining social order and religious practices. The Shumathites, along with other clans, would have participated in the communal life and worship that characterized the people of Israel.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Shumathites in the biblical record underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. The detailed genealogies reflect the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the continuity of their descendants. Each clan, including the Shumathites, represents a thread in the tapestry of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the importance of every family and individual in the unfolding of biblical history.

Conclusion

While the Shumathites are not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, their mention serves as a reminder of the rich and complex heritage of the tribes of Israel. Their inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles affirms the significance of every clan within the covenant community, contributing to the broader understanding of Israel's identity and history as God's chosen people.SHUMATHITES

shoo'-math-its (shumathi): One of the families of Kiriath-jearim (1 Chronicles 2:53).

8126. Shumathi -- a family of Kiriath-jearim
... Shumathi. 8127 . a family of Kiriath-jearim. Transliteration: Shumathi Phonetic
Spelling: (shoo-maw-thee') Short Definition: Shumathites. ... Shumathites. ...
/hebrew/8126.htm - 6kShumathites (1 Occurrence)
...SHUMATHITES. shoo'-math-its (shumathi): One of the families of Kiriath-jearim (1
Chronicles 2:53). Multi-Version Concordance Shumathites (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shumathites.htm - 7k

Shu'mathites (1 Occurrence)
Shu'mathites. Shumathites, Shu'mathites. Shun . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Shumathites, Shu'mathites. Shun . Reference Bible.
/s/shu'mathites.htm - 6k

Shumathite (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 The families of Kiriath Jearim: The Ithrites, and the Puthites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites and the ...
/s/shumathite.htm - 6k

Zareathite (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and ...
/z/zareathite.htm - 6k

Zo'rathites (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 The families of Kiriath Jearim: The Ithrites, and the Puthites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites and the ...
/z/zo'rathites.htm - 7k

Zoreathites (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 And the families of Kirjath-jearim were the Jithrites, and the
Puthites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the ...
/z/zoreathites.htm - 7k

Zareathites (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and ...
/z/zareathites.htm - 6k

Zereathites (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 And the families of Kirjath-jearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zereathites, and ...
/z/zereathites.htm - 6k

Zorathites (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 The families of Kiriath Jearim: The Ithrites, and the Puthites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites and the ...
/z/zorathites.htm - 7k

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 And the families of Kiriath-jearim: the Ithrites, and the Puthites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites, and ...
/k/kir'iath-je'arim.htm - 11k

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