Zaccur, son of Hammuel

Background and Family

Zaccur appears in the genealogical listings of 1 Chronicles 4, which details the families and migrations of the tribe of Simeon. The text identifies him as a member of the line of Mishma. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 4:26 states: "The sons of Mishma: Hammuel, Zaccur, and Shimei." This placement establishes Zaccur as the son of Hammuel and a grandson of Mishma.

His place within the Simeonite structure is significant because the tribe of Simeon occupied the southernmost portion of the Promised Land. By the time of the Divided Monarchy, many Simeonite families had either integrated with the tribe of Judah or sought new pasture lands to support their large families. Zaccur's immediate family was notably prolific; while the Bible does not list Zaccur's own siblings in detail, it notes that his son, Shimei, had sixteen sons and six daughters, though the rest of the family line did not multiply as extensively as the people of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:27).

Major Life Events

The biblical record for Zaccur is strictly genealogical. There are no recorded battles, speeches, or political appointments associated with his name. His life is defined by his position as a bridge between his father, Hammuel, and his influential son, Shimei. During the era of the Divided Monarchy, individuals like Zaccur were essential for maintaining the identity of the smaller tribes. His existence ensures the legal and spiritual heritage of the Simeonite allotment remained documented during a time of significant national upheaval and shifting borders between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Zaccur’s primary relationships are vertical rather than horizontal. He is defined by his ancestry—being the son of Hammuel—and his legacy—being the father of Shimei. Through his lineage, he is a distant descendant of Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. Because his son Shimei is noted for having a large household, Zaccur is positioned as the patriarch of a substantial sub-clan within the Simeonite territory during the mid-to-late years of the Monarchy.

Spiritual Significance

Though Zaccur is a minor figure, his inclusion in the Holy Scriptures highlights the biblical emphasis on individual identity within the covenant community. In the context of 1 Chronicles, these genealogies were intended to provide the returning exiles with a sense of continuity and belonging. Zaccur’s presence in the text affirms that every member of the tribe of Simeon, regardless of the tribe's eventual dispersion, was known and recorded by God. His life serves as a testament to the preservation of the promise made to the patriarchs, ensuring that even during the fractured years of the Divided Monarchy, the lines of descent were not lost.