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Bible Studies/The sons of Shimei

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Expert: - 4/17/2009


Question
In 1 Chronicles 23:7-10, the sons of Shimei is mentioned twice.  The first time is in verse 9:
The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan. (1 Chronicles 23:9 KJV).  
The second time is in the next verse:
And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.
(1 Chronicles 23:10 KJV)

I have two questions.
1.  Why are the sons of Shimei mentioned in verse 9 the chief of the fathers of Laadan, who is supposedly Shimei's brother (mentioned in verse 7)
2.  Why are there two distinct sets of Shimei's sons?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Michael,

Sorry to be slow answering, our phone line was out due to a trunk line being cut.  We just got your question a few minutes ago.

The Heb. word translated as "sons" in 1Ch.23 is "ben" which can mean son or grandson, (plus a wide variety of other meanings).

With verses 8 and 9 beginning and ending with "Laadan", it appears that the first three were sons and the next three were grandsons through another of Laadan's sons, named Shimei.  All six were counted as descendants of Laadan.

Not all sons of every person were counted. Compare vss. 3 and 4. They had to be at least 30 years old and elsewhere there is an upper age limit also, but I don't have that verse handy at the moment.

In verse 10, Laadan's brother Shimei had four sons, but two were counted as one, because they had "not many sons" themselves, and the purpose of this counting was to provide manpower for the house of the Lord (v.4).

Hope this helps. Let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Thank you for your patience
Sincerely,
Mel and Guyna

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Mel and Guyna Horne

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