What Was Shema in the Bible?
Shema, mentioned in Joshua 15:26, is a city within the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah. The distribution of land among the tribes of Israel was a significant event, fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants. This article explores the biblical significance of Shema, the allocation of land in the Old Testament, and the spiritual implications for modern-day Christians.
Shema: A City of Judah
Shema in the Biblical Narrative
Shema, spelled שֶׁמַע (Shema) in Hebrew, is listed among the towns in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. Joshua 15:26 states: “Amam, Shema, and Moladah.” This brief mention situates Shema within the larger context of the conquest of Canaan and the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Tribe of Judah
The tribe of Judah holds a prominent place in biblical history. Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, was one of the twelve patriarchs of Israel. The territory allotted to Judah included significant cities like Hebron and Jerusalem, highlighting its importance. Shema, though less prominent, contributed to the overall inheritance and territory of Judah, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham to give his descendants a land of their own (Genesis 15:18-21).
The Significance of Land Allocation
Fulfillment of God’s Promises
The division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel was a pivotal moment in the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises. This act demonstrated God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, providing His people with a tangible inheritance. In Deuteronomy 7:9, Moses reminded the Israelites of God’s faithfulness: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
Establishing Identity and Community
The allocation of land helped establish the identity and community of each tribe. It was not merely a physical division but a means to organize the people of Israel according to their familial and tribal lines. This organization allowed each tribe to flourish within their designated inheritance, contributing to the unity and strength of the nation.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Understanding Our Spiritual Inheritance
The allocation of land in the Old Testament can be seen as a foreshadowing of the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ. Just as the Israelites received a physical inheritance in the land of Canaan, Christians receive a spiritual inheritance through their faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 1:11-14: “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will…who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Embracing Our Identity in Christ
The identity and community established through the land allocation in Israel mirror the identity believers find in Christ. Christians are called to embrace their identity as children of God, united in Christ and co-heirs with Him. Romans 8:17 states: “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of Shema and other towns in the land allocation narrative underscores God’s faithfulness across generations. God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were fulfilled in the distribution of the Promised Land, demonstrating His unchanging nature. This faithfulness extends to believers today, assuring them of God’s enduring promises and His commitment to their spiritual inheritance.
Personal Relationship with God
The careful recording of land divisions, including the mention of Shema, reflects God’s personal care and attention to detail. Each town and territory mattered to God because His people mattered to Him. This personal care is evident in the New Testament as well, where Jesus teaches that God knows and values each individual (Matthew 10:29-31). Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s intimate knowledge and care for their lives.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Fulfillment of the Promise
The physical inheritance of land in the Old Testament finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through Him, believers receive a spiritual inheritance that transcends earthly possessions. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection opened the way for all who believe to become co-heirs with Him, inheriting eternal life and the blessings of God’s kingdom (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Unity in the Body of Christ
The land allocation to the tribes of Israel established a sense of unity and community. Similarly, Christians are called to unity in the body of Christ. Ephesians 2:19-22 emphasizes this unity: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Believers are united in Christ, forming a spiritual community that reflects God’s kingdom on earth.
Conclusion
Shema, a city in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The allocation of land to the Israelites illustrates the importance of heritage, identity, and community in God’s plan. For modern Christians, Shema and the broader narrative of land inheritance point to the spiritual blessings and eternal inheritance found in Jesus Christ. By understanding and embracing their identity in Christ, believers can appreciate their place in God’s grand narrative and live out their faith with confidence and hope.