Shamar In The Bible: Understanding Its Meaning And Significance

Introduction

The Bible is a religious text that has been used as a source of inspiration and guidance for millions of people around the world. One of the important concepts in the Bible is the term “shamar,” which appears frequently in both the Old and New Testaments. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of shamar in the Bible.

What is Shamar?

Shamar is a Hebrew word that means “to keep,” “to guard,” or “to watch over.” In the Bible, it is often used to describe the actions of God, who watches over His people and protects them from harm. It is also used to describe the duties of human beings, who are called to keep and guard the commandments of God.

Shamar is a verb that can be used in different tenses and forms, depending on the context. For example, in Genesis 2:15, God commands Adam to “shamar” the garden of Eden, which means to keep it and protect it. In Exodus 20:8-11, the Israelites are commanded to “shamar” the Sabbath day, which means to observe it and keep it holy.

Shamar in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, shamar is used in a variety of contexts to describe the actions of God and human beings. For example, in Psalm 121:3-4, the psalmist declares that God “will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Here, shamar is used to describe God’s continuous watchfulness over His people.

Another example of shamar in the Old Testament is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, where the Israelites are commanded to “shamar” the commandments of God. This means that they are to keep them in their hearts and teach them to their children. The passage also emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s commandments and living by them.

Shamar in the New Testament

In the New Testament, shamar is used less frequently than in the Old Testament. However, it still appears in important passages that emphasize the importance of keeping and guarding the teachings of Jesus. For example, in John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Here, shamar is used to describe the actions of Jesus’ followers, who are called to keep and obey His teachings.

Another example of shamar in the New Testament is found in 1 Peter 5:8, where the apostle Peter warns believers to “be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Here, shamar is used to describe the need for believers to be watchful and guard against the attacks of the devil.

The Significance of Shamar

Shamar is an important concept in the Bible because it emphasizes the need for human beings to be responsible and faithful in keeping and guarding the commandments of God. It also underscores the idea that God is constantly watching over His people and protecting them from harm.

Furthermore, shamar highlights the importance of mindfulness and attentiveness in our daily lives. It reminds us to be vigilant and alert, both in our spiritual lives and in our interactions with others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shamar is a significant concept in the Bible that emphasizes the importance of keeping and guarding the commandments of God. It is used to describe the actions of both God and human beings and highlights the need for mindfulness and attentiveness in our daily lives. As we strive to live according to God’s will, may we always remember to shamar His commandments and trust in His watchful care.