SHAMMASH - SERVANT

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.

Luke 4: 20 (NIV)

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INTRODUCTION

Men were created to serve God. That remains true even nowadays. In one way or another, we all end up serving each other. The Hebrew word for servant is shammash. A position considered lowly in many cultures today is elevated in God’s eyes, especially the position “Servant of God.” It was considered a great honor to be chosen as the “servant of God.”

THE MEANING OF SHAMMASH

The last word had been spoken, the speech ended. A roar of applause erupted throughout the hall. Standing a bit awestruck by all was Frederick; Frederick Douglass, to be more precise. A flashback of mopping the floor, running errands, cooking, and feeding the kids of his master, sneakily learning about the alphabet flooded his mind. That was then, but this was now; this was his new reality. He had made it against all odds. He put in the hard work, kept learning, and took the opportunity when presented. Disguising himself as a sailor provided him with a way out. Frederick Douglass knew how to make a crappy day into one filled with opportunity for greatness. As a result, he was standing on the podium giving a speech to a hungry crowd. He had made it from the pit to the palace. From a small household servant, Frederick Douglass went on to become an author and government official. Now he served mankind from the position of authority. 

We can glean much from Frederick Douglass’s story. Diligence eventually brings results. Mr. Douglass knew how to take the opportunities presented, and he ended up rewarded. He went from being a household servant to serving God’s people with justice.

People were designed to serve God. In one way or another, we always end up serving someone. The Hebrew word for servant is Shammash. The word derives from the verb shemash, which means attending. (2) 

In the Jewish community, this word speaks of the sexton, the person who manages the synagogue facilities. Further back in history, it held an even greater position. In the Middle Ages, they carried out worship services, conducted prayers, and handed out judgments. It was a very honorable position. 

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

God's view of servanthood is often completely different from men’s. Men consider it very lowly in many cultures, but God elevates the position of servanthood. Yeshua said that one who seeks to be of great importance should become a servant of all. One special position was elevated above all others - the position of “Servant of the Lord”. 

This title was given to men like King David, Moses, and Job. It indicated they had a certain special intimacy, a special relationship with God. The term has also been used regarding the nation of Israel. And lastly, it has been assigned to Yeshua - the ultimate Servant of God. To be elevated to such a position has and always will be a great honor. 

GOD’S SERVANTS

We do not have to hold any special or prominent position in today’s society to be a servant of God. Anyone who carries out God’s will is God’s servant. His will for my life will look different from His will for yours. His plans are greater than ours, and we can choose to serve Him according to the plans He has for us. He will not harm us. 

SHAMMASH AND HANUKKAH

The word shammash also appears during the festival of lights, called Hanukkah. Shammash is also the name of the ninth candle on the hanukkiah; that is the candelabrum that is used to commemorate and celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah. The shammash is the first candle to be lit each of the eight nights. It is more than just a candle, it is the servant light by which all the other candles of Hanukkah receive their light.

CONCLUSION

We all end up serving each other in one way or another. Yeshua said in all His wisdom that those who wish to be great should become servants of all. The exact opposite of what pagan leaders were known for. True to His words, Yeshua was the ultimate “Servant of God”. His act on the cross secured salvation. The Hebrew word for servant is shammash, a word nowadays depicting the sexton of a synagogue. 

Application

During this week, let God reveal to you how He wishes to use you in this season.

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SOURCES

1. Image was created via canva.com

2. Bible Hub. Shemash. Available at https://biblehub.com/hebrew/8120.htm

3. David Brickner. Who is the Shammash? November 30 2012. Available at https://jewsforjesus.org/blog/who-is-the-shammash