Shammoth
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Shammoth in the Bible?
Shammoth refers to a group of Levitical musicians appointed to play cymbals during the transport of the Ark of the Covenant and subsequent temple worship, as documented in 1 Chronicles 15:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 5:12.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific role of Shammoth illuminates the organized structure of Israelite worship, demonstrating how distinct instrumental sections were utilized to enhance the solemnity and order of major religious ceremonies.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Shammoth. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shammoth in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shammoth clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Chronicles 15:16-242 Chronicles 5:12
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Shammoth." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shammoth/