Overview
Shemer was a landowner during the reign of King Omri of Israel (885-874 BC). Omri purchased a hill from Shemer and built the city of Samaria upon it, which became the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Though Shemer himself is mentioned only briefly in Scripture, his land transaction had lasting historical significance.
Key Scriptures
"He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver, and he fortified the hill and called the name of the city that he built Samaria, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill" (1 Kings 16:24, ESV).
"In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel, and reigned for twelve years" (1 Kings 16:23, ESV).
Application
Shemer's story reminds us that God works through ordinary transactions and everyday people to accomplish His sovereign purposes in history.