Jedaiah, Son of Shimri
A descendant of Simeon during the Divided Monarchy whose lineage is preserved in the genealogical records of the chronicler.
Jedaiah, son of Shimri, was a member of the tribe of Simeon during the era of the Divided Monarchy. He is situated within a specific lineage that links the early tribal patriarchs to the prominent Simeonite leaders who expanded their territory during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah.
Though Jedaiah is mentioned only within a genealogical list in the First Book of Chronicles, his inclusion serves as a vital link in the ancestral chain of Ziza, a prince of the Simeonites. His life is contextualized by the struggle of the tribe of Simeon to maintain their identity and land within the southern regions of Israel and Judah.
Background and Family
Jedaiah occupies a specific place in the genealogy of the tribe of Simeon as recorded in 1 Chronicles 4. According to the text, he was the son of Shimri and the father of Allon. The broader context of this passage focuses on the descendants of Simeon who were "princes in their families" (1 Chronicles 4:38). While the text does not elaborate on Jedaiah’s personal exploits, his lineage suggests he belonged to a house of significant standing within the tribal structure of the southern kingdom era.
Major Life Events
The biblical record for Jedaiah is limited to his role as a genealogical link. However, the era in which his descendants are highlighted—specifically during the reign of King Hezekiah (c. 715–686 BC)—provides a historical backdrop for his family line. The Simeonites during this period were characterized by a need for pasture for their flocks, leading them to the entrance of Gedor and the valley east of the Gederites. As a father and son within this lineage, Jedaiah represents the generational continuity required for the tribe to maintain its claim to these southern territories.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Jedaiah’s identity is defined entirely by his relationships within the Simeonite pedigree. He is the son of Shimri and the grandson of Shemaiah. Furthermore, he is the father of Allon and the grandfather of Shiphi. The ultimate focus of this specific branch of the genealogy is Ziza, the great-grandson of Jedaiah. Ziza is noted as one of the leaders who led the tribe to find rich, good pasture and who eventually struck down the tents of the Hamites who had lived there previously.
Spiritual Significance
The preservation of Jedaiah's name in the biblical canon, despite the brevity of his mention, underscores the importance of heritage and covenant identity in the Old Testament. For the tribe of Simeon, which was prophesied by Jacob to be scattered (Genesis 49:7), individuals like Jedaiah represented the survival of the tribal name through the centuries of the Divided Monarchy. In the theological framework of the Chronicler, every name in the genealogy serves as a testament to God’s preservation of the people of Israel throughout their turbulent political history.
Spiritual Significance
Jedaiah's significance lies in his role as a bridge between generations of the tribe of Simeon. His inclusion in the records of 1 Chronicles 4 ensures that the lineage of the Simeonite princes remained unbroken, providing legal and historical legitimacy to their territorial expansions in the late 8th century BC. He represents the quiet, foundational roles played by individuals whose primary biblical contribution was the faithful continuation of their family and covenantal line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tribe did Jedaiah belong to?
Jedaiah was a member of the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Who was Jedaiah's father?
His father was Shimri, as recorded in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 4:37.
Who was Jedaiah's son?
Jedaiah was the father of Allon.
During which biblical era did Jedaiah live?
He lived during the Divided Monarchy, several generations before the reign of King Hezekiah.
What does the name Jedaiah mean in Hebrew?
The name Jedaiah (Yedaiah) generally means 'Jehovah has known' or 'praised by Jehovah.'
Connected Figures
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Family & Relationships
Child
1 Chronicles 4:37
Parent
Shimri, Simeonite of the Divided Monarchy
1 Chronicles 4:37
Others Named Jedaiah
Jedaiah, Priestly Leader of the First ReturnNehemiah 12:7
A prominent priest and leader who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile during the days of High Priest Jeshua.
Jedaiah, Son of HarumaphNehemiah 3:10
A participant in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem who repaired the section of the city wall directly opposite his own home.
Jedaiah, Exile from BabylonZechariah 6:10
A returning exile from Babylon who provided gold and silver for the symbolic crowning of the High Priest Joshua during the restoration of Jerusalem.
Jedaiah, son of Joiarib1 Chronicles 9:10
A prominent priest of the tribe of Levi who returned from the Babylonian exile and served as a head of a paternal house in Jerusalem.
Jedaiah, Priest of the Second Division1 Chronicles 24:7
Jedaiah was a prominent priest during the Divided Monarchy whose lineage was selected as the second of the twenty-four priestly divisions established for service in the Temple.