Definition: And Shema begat Raham, the father of Jorkoam: and Rekem begat Shammai.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 2:44. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very old covenant – a special agreement between God and His people – that was established in a time long ago. It’s about a powerful and significant relationship. Let's break it down word by word: “Shema begat Raham” : This is the core of the verse. “Shema” means "a declaration" or “a prayer.” “Raham” means “merciful.” So, this part says: “The Shema declared mercy.” It's a powerful statement of God’s goodness and compassion. “the father of Jorkoam” : This is where it gets a little more complex. “Jorkoam” is an ancient Hebrew word that means "a royal or noble person" or "a leader." So, this part says: “The Father of the Royal Leader.” “and Rekem begat Shammai” : This continues the story. “Rekem” means “a shepherd.” “Shammai” is a name, and it’s connected to the idea of leadership and protection. So, this part says: “And the Father of the Shepherd begat Shammai.” Putting it all together – The Complete Meaning: The verse describes a relationship where God established a covenant with both a powerful declaration of mercy (the Shema) and a leader who represents that mercy. It suggests a system of protection and guidance for those entrusted to this leader. It’s a narrative about establishing a special agreement that protected and guided people during a time of great importance. Why is it significant? This verse is often interpreted as a foundational story in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the establishment of Israel. It's seen as an early example of how God’s promises were made to His chosen people. --- Important Note: Biblical interpretations can vary over time and across different traditions. This explanation aims for a straightforward understanding of the verse’s core meaning. Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: What the Shema is and its significance? The history surrounding the creation of Jorkoam/Shammai?