Interesting Facts

• Shomron is identified as one of the four sons of Issachar.
• Shomron was born in the land of Canaan before Jacob and his family’s migration to Egypt.
• The provided sources do not attribute any specific actions, dialogues, or unique details directly to Shomron. His presence is primarily within genealogical lists.

Genealogy

• Shomron’s father was Issachar, a son of Jacob and Leah.
• Shomron’s mother would have been Aridah (Hezaqa), the wife of Issachar.
• Shomron had three brothers: Tola, Puvah, and Job.
• The sources do not provide any information regarding Shomron’s marital status or any children he may have had.

Historical Context

Shomron’s life unfolded against the backdrop of significant events in the early history of the Israelites. Born in Canaan, he would have been part of Jacob’s extended family during the time Joseph was favored and subsequently sold into Egypt. The severe famine that afflicted Canaan would have directly impacted Shomron and his family, eventually leading to their journey to Egypt to seek sustenance. As a son of Issachar, Shomron would have been among those who settled in the land of Goshen under the protection and provision of his uncle Joseph, who had risen to prominence in Egypt. He would have experienced the period of prosperity and security enjoyed by Jacob’s family during Joseph’s forty-year governance of Egypt. Shomron would have also witnessed the significant family milestones, including Jacob’s blessings and final instructions, his passing, and the elaborate journey and burial in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan, an event initially contested by Esau’s descendants. Following Jacob’s burial, Shomron would have returned to Egypt with his brothers and father, continuing to live under Joseph’s authority until Joseph’s death. Subsequently, Shomron would have experienced the shift in Egyptian rule, where a new Pharaoh arose who did not acknowledge Joseph, marking a change in the Israelites’ status in Egypt.

Narrative

The personal narrative of Shomron, as presented in the provided sources, is largely implicit. He is consistently listed as one of the sons of Issachar who came with Jacob to Egypt. As a member of the tribe of Issachar, Shomron’s story is intertwined with the broader narrative of his family’s experiences. He would have been among those who made the journey from Canaan to Egypt due to the famine, benefiting from Joseph’s foresight and administrative abilities. While the texts do not record any specific actions or dialogues attributed to Shomron, his existence signifies his participation in the life of the Israelite community in Egypt during Joseph’s prosperous reign and the subsequent years. He would have been present for significant family moments such as Jacob’s reunion with Joseph, Jacob’s blessings over his sons, his death, and the burial rites in Canaan. Shomron’s life contributed to the growth and establishment of the Israelite community in Egypt before the eventual period of their subjugation under a new Egyptian regime.