### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name שְׁמַרְיָה (Shᵉmaryâh, `{{H8114}}`), also appearing as שְׁמַרְיָהוּ, is a theophoric compound name derived from two elements: the verb שָׁמַר (shamar, `{{H8104}}`), meaning "to guard, keep, preserve, watch, observe," and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh. Thus, the name literally translates to "Yahweh has guarded" or "Yahweh has preserved." The semantic range of שָׁמַר encompasses active protection, diligent watchfulness, and faithful preservation. When combined with the divine name, it becomes a powerful theological statement, attributing the act of guarding directly to God. It signifies divine providence, acknowledging God's active and protective involvement in the life of the individual or their family. The name itself serves as a miniature confession of faith, declaring God's character as a faithful preserver.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Shᵉmaryâh appears in the Old Testament referring to at least four different individuals, reflecting its common usage as a name expressing trust in divine protection:
1. **A Korhite who joined David:** In [[1 Chronicles 12:5]] (ESV 12:4), Shemariah is listed among the mighty men from Benjamin and Judah who rallied to David at Ziklag while he was still fleeing from Saul. This context highlights loyalty and support for God's anointed king. The name "Yahweh has guarded" might signify a family history of God's protection, perhaps even through the turbulent history of the Korahites, or it could be a personal testimony to God's safeguarding during the dangerous period of David's exile.
2. **A son of King Rehoboam:** [[2 Chronicles 11:19]] identifies Shemariah as one of the sons of King Rehoboam, born to his wife Abihail. This places Shemariah within the royal lineage of Judah. While Rehoboam's reign was largely marked by spiritual decline and division, the name "Yahweh has guarded" borne by his son serves as a subtle reminder of God's enduring commitment to preserve the Davidic line, despite human failings. It may also reflect a parental hope for divine protection over their offspring.
3. **Two men in Ezra's time:** Two individuals named Shemariah are mentioned in [[Ezra 10]] among those who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period and were compelled to put them away.
* In [[Ezra 10:32]], Shemariah is listed as one of the sons of Harim.
* In [[Ezra 10:41]], another Shemariah is listed as one of the sons of Binnui.
The presence of the name "Yahweh has guarded" in this context creates a poignant tension. These men bore names testifying to God's faithfulness and protection, yet their actions (marrying foreign women) directly threatened the purity and covenant identity of the restored community, risking God's displeasure. This highlights the contrast between God's steadfast character, implied by the name, and human unfaithfulness, which necessitated repentance and reform.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of Shᵉmaryâh is שָׁמַר (shamar, `{{H8104}}`), a foundational verb in Hebrew theology. It denotes the act of keeping, guarding, preserving, watching over, and obeying. This root is used extensively in the Old Testament to describe:
* **God's character:** Yahweh is frequently depicted as the One who "guards" His people [[Psalm 121:7]], "keeps" His covenant [[Deuteronomy 7:9]], and "preserves" the faithful [[Psalm 31:23]].
* **Human responsibility:** Humans are commanded to "keep" God's commandments, statutes, and laws [[Deuteronomy 4:6]], indicating obedience and adherence.
* **Covenant faithfulness:** The concept of "keeping the covenant" is central to the relationship between God and Israel.
The second element, יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), is a common short form of the divine name Yahweh, frequently appearing in theophoric names (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nehemiah). Its presence unequivocally attributes the action of "guarding" to the one true God.
Related concepts include:
* **Divine Providence:** God's active and benevolent oversight of His creation and people.
* **Divine Protection:** God's safeguarding of His people from harm, danger, and spiritual corruption.
* **Covenant Loyalty:** God's faithfulness in upholding His promises to His people.
### Theological Significance
The name Shᵉmaryâh carries profound theological weight, primarily serving as a declaration of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
1. **Affirmation of Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** The name powerfully asserts God's active involvement in the lives of individuals and the nation. It proclaims that Yahweh is not a distant deity but an ever-present, watchful, and protective God who actively guards and preserves His people. This underscores His sovereign control over all circumstances.
2. **Testimony to God's Faithfulness:** Bearing a name meaning "Yahweh has guarded" is a public testimony to God's unwavering faithfulness. It speaks to His covenant promises and His commitment to watch over those who are His, even amidst trials and dangers. It reflects the truth expressed in passages like [[Psalm 121:5]], "The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand."
3. **Source of Hope and Trust:** For parents naming their child, Shᵉmaryâh would have been an expression of deep trust in God's protective power and a prayer for His continued safeguarding of their offspring. For the individual bearing the name, it served as a constant reminder of their dependence on God's preserving grace.
4. **Contrast and Call to Reflection:** As seen in the Ezra accounts, the name can also highlight the stark contrast between God's steadfastness and human unfaithfulness. When individuals bearing a name that declares "Yahweh has guarded" engage in actions contrary to God's will, it underscores the tension between divine grace and human responsibility, prompting reflection on the consistency of one's life with the truth proclaimed by their very name.
### Summary
שְׁמַרְיָה (Shᵉmaryâh, `{{H8114}}`) is a Hebrew theophoric name meaning "Yahweh has guarded" or "Yahweh has preserved," derived from the verb שָׁמַר (to guard, keep) and the divine name יָהּ. Its occurrences in the biblical narrative, from those loyal to David to a son of Rehoboam, and two individuals in Ezra's time, consistently point to the profound concept of divine protection. The name serves as a powerful affirmation of God's sovereign providence, His covenant faithfulness, and His active role as the keeper and preserver of His people. It embodies a confession of trust in God's protective care, while also, in certain contexts, serving to highlight the contrast between God's steadfastness and human unfaithfulness, prompting a deeper appreciation for His enduring grace.
TRV