Shimei, Descendant of Hashum
A Jewish returnee from the Babylonian exile who was recorded among those who had married foreign women in violation of the Mosaic Law.
Shimei was a member of the post-exilic Jewish community who returned to Jerusalem and Judah following the Babylonian captivity. He is specifically identified as a descendant of Hashum, a family head whose progeny played a role in the restoration of the Jewish remnant under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Historically, Shimei is situated during the mid-5th century BC, a period defined by the spiritual and structural rebuilding of Jerusalem. His inclusion in the biblical record is specifically tied to the reforms initiated by Ezra the Priest regarding the issue of intermarriage with the surrounding pagan nations.
Background and Family
Shimei is identified as a descendant of Hashum. According to the genealogical records in the book of Ezra, the 'sons of Hashum' were a significant family unit among those who returned from Babylon. In the initial census of returnees recorded in Ezra 2:19, the number of Hashum’s descendants is listed as 223. By the time of Ezra’s reforms in approximately 458 BC, Shimei is listed as one of seven men from this specific family line who had taken foreign wives during their time in the land.
Major Life Events
The primary event associated with Shimei occurs in Ezra 10. Upon Ezra's arrival in Jerusalem, he was devastated to learn that the holy seed of Israel had intermingled with the peoples of the lands—specifically the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. This was a direct violation of the commands given in Deuteronomy 7:3-4.
Shimei was among the group of men who stood before the assembly of Judah and Benjamin. Following a period of corporate confession and mourning, a proclamation was issued for all the exiles to gather at Jerusalem. Shimei, along with his kinsmen Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, and Manasseh, was formally identified as having transgressed the covenant. He subsequently participated in the process of putting away his foreign wife and providing a guilt offering, as dictated by the elders and judges overseeing the reformation.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Shimei is linked primarily to the family of Hashum. While he lived during the era of Ezra the Priest, his relationship to the leadership was one of submission to the reformatory decrees. He is listed alongside six other kinsmen from the house of Hashum, indicating a shared family struggle with the cultural and religious pressures of the post-exilic environment.
Spiritual Significance
The account of Shimei serves as a historical marker of the difficulties faced by the returning exiles in maintaining a distinct religious identity. His story is one of conviction and restoration. Though he is recorded for a failure—marrying outside the covenant—his inclusion in the list also signifies his willingness to repent and conform to the law of God under Ezra's guidance. The meticulous recording of his name underscores the individual accountability required during the rebuilding of the nation of Israel.
Spiritual Significance
Shimei’s presence in the biblical text highlights the tension between the returning exiles and the local populations. His inclusion in the list of those who married foreign women serves as a cautionary record of the ease with which the covenant community could be compromised by syncretism. However, his subsequent compliance with Ezra’s decree demonstrates the priority of the Law in the life of the post-exilic community and the necessity of ritual purity for those seeking to rebuild the Temple and the city of Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shimei’s father?
The Bible does not name Shimei’s immediate father; it only identifies him as a descendant of Hashum, who was the head of a large ancestral house.
What sin did Shimei commit according to the Book of Ezra?
Shimei was among the men who had married foreign women, which was forbidden under the Mosaic Law to prevent the Israelites from being led into idolatry.
What happened to Shimei after he was identified by Ezra?
Along with the other men listed, Shimei agreed to the terms of the reform, which involved separating from his foreign wife and offering a sacrifice for his guilt.
To which family did Shimei belong?
He belonged to the descendants of Hashum, a family group that returned to Judah from the Babylonian exile.
Connected Figures
Ezra
Spiritual leader and reformer
Hashum
Ancestral head of his family line
Manasseh
Kinsman and fellow descendant of Hashum
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Ezra1
Others Named Shimei
Shimei, Overseer of Hezekiah2 Chronicles 31:12
A Levite officer who served as second-in-command to his brother Conaniah in managing the temple contributions and tithes during the reign of King Hezekiah.
Shimei, descendant of Merari1 Chronicles 6:29
A Levite of the Merarite line who is identified in the biblical genealogies as the son of Libni and the father of Uzzah.
Shimei, Son of GershonNumbers 3:18
A prominent Levite and grandson of Levi who established the Shimeite clan during the Egyptian sojourn and the wilderness wanderings.
Shimei, Descendant of BinnuiEzra 10:38
A Jewish returnee from the Babylonian exile who was among those identified for having married a foreign woman during the time of Ezra.
Shimei, son of Ela1 Kings 1:8
A high-ranking official and tribal administrator in the court of King Solomon, noted for his loyalty to David and his oversight of the territory of Benjamin.
Shimei, Levite of the ReturnEzra 10:23
A Levite who returned from the Babylonian exile and was among those who pledged to separate from foreign wives during the reforms of Ezra.
Shimei, Gershonite Levite of the Divided Monarchy1 Chronicles 6:42
A Levite of the Gershonite line during the Divided Monarchy era, recognized as the head of a significant family within the house of Ladan.
Shimei, Hemanite Levite2 Chronicles 29:14
A Levite of the Hemanite family who participated in the spiritual purification and restoration of the temple during the reign of King Hezekiah.
Shimei, Benjamite of the Divided Monarchy1 Chronicles 8:21
A prominent member of the tribe of Benjamin during the Divided Monarchy era, recognized as the father of nine sons including Adaiah and Beraiah.
Shimei, Son of Gera2 Samuel 16:5
A Benjamite who famously cursed King David during Absalom’s rebellion and was later executed under King Solomon for violating a house arrest agreement.
Shimei, Son of Zaccur1 Chronicles 4:26
A member of the tribe of Simeon noted for his exceptionally large family, consisting of sixteen sons and six daughters.
Shimei, Sibling of Zerubbabel1 Chronicles 3:19
Shimei was a member of the tribe of Judah, the son of Pedaiah, and a brother to the prominent governor Zerubbabel during the era of the Divided Monarchy.
Shimei, Great-grandfather of MordecaiEsther 2:5
A Benjamite ancestor of Mordecai whose lineage connects the exilic Jewish community to the house of Kish.
Shimei the Ramathite1 Chronicles 27:27
Shimei the Ramathite served as the royal official in charge of King David's vineyards during the era of the Divided Monarchy.
Shimei, Reubenite of the Divided Monarchy1 Chronicles 5:4
A member of the tribe of Reuben during the era of the Divided Monarchy, recorded as the son of Gog and the father of Micah.