Who Was Shehariah in the Bible?
Man Living at the Time of the Divided Monarchy
Shehariah is a biblical figure mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:26. He was a man from the tribe of Benjamin, living during the period of the Divided Monarchy. This era in Israel’s history was marked by the split of the united kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, a time characterized by political turmoil and widespread disobedience to God.
Shehariah’s Background and Family
Shehariah, whose Hebrew name (שְׁחַרְיָה – Shehariah, H7841) means “dawn” or “the Lord has considered,” is specifically identified as the son of Jeroham. He had several brothers: Shamsherai, Athaliah, Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri. The mention of Shehariah and his family in 1 Chronicles 8:26 emphasizes the importance of genealogy and lineage in the Bible.
The Tribe of Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin, from which Shehariah descended, played a significant role in the history of Israel. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and his tribe was known for its bravery and skill in battle. Notably, King Saul, Israel’s first king, was from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:1-2). Despite being a smaller tribe, Benjamin held a crucial position among the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Context of the Divided Monarchy
During the time of the Divided Monarchy, Israel experienced a significant period of instability. The kingdom split after the reign of Solomon, leading to the formation of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division brought about political unrest, idolatry, and frequent conflicts. The Benjamites, including Shehariah, would have lived through these turbulent times, striving to maintain their identity and faithfulness to God amidst widespread apostasy.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Importance of Genealogy
Shehariah’s inclusion in the biblical genealogies underscores the value of every individual in God’s plan. Although he may not be a prominent figure, his presence in the lineage of Benjamin highlights the continuity and faithfulness of God across generations. For modern Christians, this teaches us that each person, no matter how seemingly insignificant, has a unique role in God’s overarching narrative.
Faithfulness Amidst Turmoil
The period of the Divided Monarchy was marked by widespread disobedience to God. Yet, the mention of faithful individuals like Shehariah and his family serves as a reminder that God always preserves a remnant of those who remain true to Him. This encourages modern believers to stand firm in their faith, even when surrounded by societal turmoil and unfaithfulness.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Sovereignty in History
The genealogies in the Bible, including those mentioning Shehariah, reflect God’s sovereignty in orchestrating history. Each name represents a link in the chain of God’s redemptive plan. This demonstrates that God is deeply involved in the details of human history and that He values each person.
God’s Faithfulness to His Promises
The inclusion of Shehariah in the genealogical record of Benjamin emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite Israel’s frequent failures, God’s promises remained steadfast. This reassures modern Christians that God’s faithfulness is unchanging, providing a foundation of hope and trust.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Lineage Leading to Christ
While Shehariah himself is not in the direct lineage of Jesus, his place in the genealogy of Benjamin contributes to the broader narrative that ultimately leads to Christ. The genealogical records in the Old Testament lay the groundwork for the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill God’s redemptive plan.
The Role of Faithful Individuals
The faithfulness of individuals like Shehariah, even in the midst of challenging times, points forward to the ultimate faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Christ, the perfect and final fulfillment of God’s promises, exemplifies the faithfulness and obedience that believers are called to emulate.
Conclusion
Shehariah, a man from the tribe of Benjamin living during the Divided Monarchy, is briefly mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:26. Though his story is not extensively detailed, his inclusion in the biblical genealogy highlights the importance of each individual in God’s redemptive plan. For modern Christians, Shehariah’s life teaches valuable lessons about the significance of genealogy, faithfulness amidst turmoil, and the assurance of God’s sovereign involvement in history. His story, though small, contributes to the larger narrative that ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God’s promises and the hope for all believers.