Biblical scholar in Hebrew and Hebrew Bible: special interest in translation textual plurality, (Septuagint, Dead Seas Scrolls, Samaritan Pentateuch, Aleppo Codex, Leningrad Codex); feminist, womanist and post-colonial biblical interpretation; prophets and prophecy in the Ancient Near East and ancient Israel
Episcopal priest, product of the Black Church, author, blogger, preacher, teacher, lecturer, public speaker
thank you for your comments–I just found sheerah in the bible after many times of reading the bible–I am 74 and although I have served God for many years as a minister, I know somehow I got away from God;s true mission for me–I am ordained and retired yet I believe that God has told me that in the winter of my life that I can still fulfil that calling thank you again and God bless
This was an awesome read! Thank you for taking the time to research and share. I came across Sheerah’s name in my morning devotion and wanted to learn more about her. I love the revelation of God listening to her and the sun standing still☝. God bless you.
Yes, I also looked up Sheerah after reading about her one morning. I was thrilled to find that someone had done the research and written an article about her and her cities. Wonderful article.
Just wonderful! I read about Sherah tonight and couldn’t stop until I saw your article! I WILL use this for a LTML (Listen to my Life Group. Thank you!!!
Powerful Word. I was just reading 1 Chronicles 7 & got to vs: 24 and was pondered on Sheerah. The Joly Spirit lead me to do a Google search. This site came up with a list of others-God directed me here! When the Lord speaks a Word, glory to be praised to His holy name. I am filled with joy untold.I hope that others will receive this wonderful revelation. Daughters of the Fatherare mighty. Amen
Exactly what happened to me this afternoon. I was reading 1 Chronicles and got to v24. I began to ponder on Sheerah. I conducted a Google search and chanced on your article. Thank you indeed.
Thank you for sharing this! I was just reading in 2 Chronicles and never before had heard about Sheerah and the cities that she built so I decided to research it a little on the web and came across your blog post. It really encouraged me. God bless!
PRAISE YOU SISTER! This revelation hit me so hard that God used a woman like Sheerah to build a city and pass on the legacy in which Joshua was blessed from!
Such a beautifully written article my sister – thank you!
I, too, was led here by my one year NLT Bible reading yesterday! Couldn’t get that scripture out of my mind. Thank our dear Lord for including it in his Word-the sword of the Spirit-the offensive weapon for those who have put on the full armor of God!–Thank you for posting your sermon!
Today is the first day l read about Sheerah and it was in a prayer item when l was browsing through the below website, https://whenwomenpray.org/prayer-bulletin/107-tuesday-21st-june-2016.html
Aaagh I never new about this great woman, so l googled the name for the verse and voila, your website caught my attention.
My oh my, the way you expound on her and her calling, tugged at my heart..even if your article is 6years old, its still as sharp as a double edged sword into my heart. Thank you.
PS: am going to use your notes in a womens’ group l am in..kisses
Shout out to Texas from Windhoek, Namibia
God has placed in my heart a desire to help others reach their potential. Although I am plagued with self doubt, I am encoraged today to continue to pursue that desire, to build on what God has placed in me to glorify him through the edification of his people. God bless Sheerah for the example she set and God bless you for shedding light on her enduring accomplishments. We work not just for today but for the benefit of generations to come!
Just came across Sheerah today – don’t know how I missed her all these years. Google searched her to study a little and came across your blog post. Thank you for the insight. The Lord has given my husband and I a vision to literally build something. We are 8 years into waiting for the fulfillment. As you said, been laying the digging those figurative ditches and laying sewers and waters lines so we are ready to build when God says “GO!”. Great word for me today!
Wil, I don’t know you from didley, I have no idea how your name ran into mine and we became fake friends on Facebook, and I have no idea why I got a link to your sermon today. But I’ve gotta tell you, girl, that’s a damn fine sermon. One of the best I’ve heard (read) in years. I may even steal a line or two from it one of these days (with correct attribution, of course.:-) ). Thanks for plowing through all the data and pouring out your creative juices to put it together.
Stan
I ran into Sheerah when reading the dull (and/or bloody) histories and was aghast that we never heard of her in my Baptist upbringing, which was very Biblically-oriented. I am a Congregationalist now, and haven’t heard word one about her there either. smh
oh my gosh!!!
i just love Sheerah!
i actually had an encouraging exhorting word using building houses, foundations and God having the plans to my life and situation like a builder has blueprints and that it has to have a sure strong foundation to support the “head” like on a body referring to my husband at the time… all hell had broken loose in my life at the time especially in my marriage…back in 2004… and my career just happen to be be in the new home building industry since 1987…so Jesus was really talking my lingo…. and NOW i just came across your blog today and just this last week came across the term “midrash” which i don’t believe i had ever heard of…..BUT GOD….will lead this horse to HIS WATER of HIS WORD of HIS PEOPLES cause i am always “THIRSTY” !
So Dr. Wil…. thank you much! i am a TEXAN too! so i can RELATE!!! better late than never to the party you have hear at Jesus Divine Gala… i have already emailed this to several of my lady intercessors…..YOU ROCK!!!
i look forward to eating much more from the fare hear at Jesus table…by the way you are a true “chef” of HIS WORD!!!
i don’t live by bread alone BUT by every WORD that proceeds out of the MOUTH of GOD!!!
thank you sister in Christ Jesus the REAL!
i am eating
drinking
and be=ing MERRY in the LORD!
I just came across your blog and this beautiful sermon. This sermon knocked the ball out of the park for me. I am a UM minister, single with no children and I identify with Sheerah’s story. I came to a small rural town in western Oklahoma known for its racial divide and white male old-school dominance. Many women here have received formal educations in various professions mostly teachers and in an educational capacity. Yet, the white male dominance and white female subservient and superior attitude is alive and well. I am degreed in business administration and education and I hold a theological degree. I have worked in corporate America but my life’s work has always been in ministry. I am my congregations first black, single female pastor. For just over 2yrs I have been building and cultivating new relationships and a vision for a culture and a faith community that embraces all people. Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of community and world. Sheerah’s call and journey to building cities could not have been an easy one. Certainly, not in the time and culture, she lived in, but here we are preaching and teaching on the power of her work and cities she built thousands of years later. Thank you for your work and timely sermon, it is a word in season for me. May I use it as I continue to build in a town and church where the challenges and enemies are great? I shall prevail since God is for me and called me for such a time as this. Blessings
I was reading I Chronicles 6 and was intrigued by Sheerah. Wanting to know more, I googled her name and found this. What a fascinating story! Thank you for the exhortation and all the rich details. Who says reading a geneology is boring?! I feel challenged and inspired. God bless you!
Excited to see this blog posted, I discovered it while teaching a class on Women of the Old Testament, Who they were and why they mattered. After reading your message on Sheerah! I found myself shouting “HOO-RAH for SHEERAH
Thank you for taking the time write all that out! It was structured so well, the flow made sense, your personality is very engaging and it was so informative! Much like a few others here, I came across Sheerah in my morning devotion and was astounded that she would build THREE cities in a time ruled by men! I just had to learn more about her! What a gem she is!
Go day in Jesus, Thanks for your article on Sheerah. I’m with a book about contributions of Bible women. I wanted to see if there was any other info on Sheerah when I came across your beautiful and informative article.su God continue to bless with more wisdom. Thanks again for knowledge to keep the biblical sisters alive
Thank you for pouring out your love for the Sisterhood I know it was meant for me to find this. What a beautiful revelation I have just received. Confirmation ❤️
I just found Sheerah by accident I’m my morning readings and was stunned- what?!? A woman who built three cities?!?
Ive been a Christian all my life and I e never heard of this WHY NOT ?!?
I googled her and found this sermon page and it’s right on and just what I needed to hear today. God is good! And very creative at getting me to where he wants me to go! 🙂
Outstanding article!! I was amazed to find it when I was reading through Chronicle with all the “begat” and this passage about Sheerah leaped out because she was a city builder. I was stunned and set out to learn more about Sheerah because I never heard about this story. I also agree there are so many nuggets in the “begat” and Sheerah is one greatest nuggets I discovered.
Thanks for taking the time to bring forth this message, which has encouraged my heart as a builder of communities through investing in people and properties!
Thank you for your faithfulness in writing this. I came across it in my yearly devotional reading (and this time i didn’t skip any parts).
This spoke to me personally and deeply and i clearly understand my commission for building.
God bless you and keep you for His purposes.
1 Chronicals 7 is part of my scripture reading today and I was so excited to hear this woman SHEERAH mentioned – and a woman who built THREE CITIES! I do struggle with this genealogy but you will have me reading with a bit more care in the future!
What a powerful message. Thank you so much. I am always hesitant about being a strong woman and feeling the need to step back and keep quiet. I think of Deborah, the Judge of Israel also. God bless you and all who pass this way.
I just looked Sheerah up because I was reading her passage this morning and hadn’t taken notice before. I wanted to know more about her and how she had managed to gain the engineering knowledge needed for such a feat at that time in history. What was her society like, that she was able to do this and get credit for it? Thank you for your thoughts on the subject.
It was very interesting to read your blog because my name is Sheera it’s written without the “h” but I was named after her-the city builder. I have one question regarding your blog, how is it possible that Sheerah was one of the “baby mamas” of the Kind David but then you write “she never married or had kids”. That contradicts the description. Don’t get me wrong I just want to if it was a mistake. Because I don’t see this in the Bible, that David had a wife named Sheerah – the city builder.
I’d love to hear your opinion on that, of course with the Bible as a receipt. Thank you and God bless!
Thank you. A million times thank you. I discovered Sheerah about 6years ago & she is my favorite woman in the Bible. I’ve always been saddened that there isn’t much said about her & that she is only mentioned once in the Bible. Today I desided to research the key word from that verse she is mentioned in and I found your article (I am really glad that I found it). You have given me a new perspective on how to embrace her story & I will prayerfully continue my research to see if I can find out more on her.
During a daily Bible reading today, I read about Sheerah and wanted to know more. Your sermon gave me much more than I had hoped for. thank you for sharing that and preaching the gospel.
Wow. Thank you SOO much for researching and writing this article, Sister! Not 10 minutes ago I was having one of those questioning, discouraged moments. Opened my Bible for my Bible reading of the day to I Chronicles 7. (I had my audio Bible app playing along simultaneously.) When I hit verse 24, I paused my audio and said, “Wait a minute..Sherah (KJV) built these cities? And what is their geographic location and what have they become now?” A quick Google search took me straight to your article.
Yes, the “begat” wording is a little confusing. Whether Sherah was Ephraim’s daughter or granddaughter, I also think that Ephraim poured into her life and taught her. Scarred by the loss of so many sons, I imagine that he might have said, “Traditions be hanged! I’m going to teach this little smart girl everything I know!”
Blessings on your day and on your ministry! In the second half of my life, walking with Jesus where He leads, I am encouraged today!
What a powerful word. I loved your sermon and I loved reading all the comments of everyone saying, “I just stumbled across Sheerah today… glad I found this!” …which is my story, too! I loved learning all of this and especially loved learning of the meaning of Uzzen-Sheerah: “listen to Sheerah.” To think that the Lord listens to us and protects what we have built! I am white, but I’m praying today for my Black women sisters: may the work of your hands be well established. May the Lord listen to you as you cry out to him, and protect all that you are building. And for those of us who are white, may we see the good work you all are doing and humbly join in to help you as you build our cities up for the Lord. Bless you today, Dr. Wil. Thank you for your powerful work.
Thank you so much for taking the time to pen this article. It spoke to me so much of how God chose to honor a woman in a time when men did not. Moreover, He brought men to her work so they, too, could witness the honoring. She wanted to be heard and God heard her. So beautiful.
I came acrossSheerah during my study after reading a comment about her grandfather’s grief today and just wanted to know more. The Holy Spirit led me to your article and it is confirmation of what the Holy Spirit has been whispering to me. I am a civil engineer so deeply resonate with everything Thank you MayGod bless you
Wow, I’m so blessed to have come across this, I can’t believe this was written 2012. God’s words is always alive, hallelujah. Thank you so much for writing and putting it up here. I was reading 1 Chronicles and I just felt a little bit tired of all the ‘son of son of that’s and I wanted to skip but I just felt the nudge to keep calm and read it the I came across Sheerah and I was hold up how come I’ve never heard of this name or the great things she had done and lately I’ve been learning a little bit about Deborah and Jael so seeing her name was beautiful. I just knew I couldn’t just let it go, I searched on her and your post just popped up first for me and I bless God cos He brought me here. I bless God for your life, I’m grateful to God for you. May the Lord continue to bless you and cause His face to shine on you at all times ❤️
Here we are in 2025, and for those who come later, being blessed by your research, insight, and clarity. I, too, came across Sheerah in my reading and felt prompted to do some research. What a beautiful exposition. I imagine in heaven, we’ll have wonderful talks and be able to ask and see how the Lord was good, and used Sheerah to advance His will, & I for one look forward to learning from her
I have read the book of 1+2 Chronicles but obviously missed the name. On Int’l Women’s Day this year last Sunday to be exact. I was at an event and the speaker alluded to Sheerah. My mind went to She-Ra -The warrior princess cartoon and I started to wonder if that is where the producers got the idea from? Anyways I started researching while the speaker was speaking. I came upon this teaching and I like the train of thought. Thank you.
I am going to teach on this. I am going to do some more research. It is quite intriguing.
I’m so glad to have read your article/sermon this morning. It set me off -using my sanctified imagination- and I began to research the meaning of the name Sheerah. I thought about her upbringing in Egypt-witnessing the amazing city architecture being built and her dreaming about one day becoming a city builder. Her standing in a male dominated world after the death of her male relatives and being Ephraim’s “remnant” by making a name for the tribe that stood for centuries! Solomon even got to reinforced two of her cities and her legacy. Our church is in the process of expanding and the general contractor is a woman! I will have to share this to thr attention of “Brittany the builder” which is what we just happen to call her.
Thank you so much for this. I can’t believe I am reading this 14 years after it was written but I an grateful to God for making me read it. I was searching to read more on Sheerah when your website came up. It has given me clarity and direction on the new path of building that God is taking me through. Thank you again, Wil.
Oh wow!What a great read this morning .I mean ,it was written while I was in Form one and had just gotten born again and now,14 years later when I look forward to joining my masters in Theology it still still gives life to my bones!You are a blessing to me . God bless you.
glorytrain5
February 16, 2014 8:47 pmthank you for your comments–I just found sheerah in the bible after many times of reading the bible–I am 74 and although I have served God for many years as a minister, I know somehow I got away from God;s true mission for me–I am ordained and retired yet I believe that God has told me that in the winter of my life that I can still fulfil that calling thank you again and God bless
Wil
February 16, 2014 9:04 pmBlessings as you go forward.
khadijatu
March 29, 2018 9:29 amThis was an awesome read! Thank you for taking the time to research and share. I came across Sheerah’s name in my morning devotion and wanted to learn more about her. I love the revelation of God listening to her and the sun standing still☝. God bless you.
Karen
May 5, 2018 11:37 amI read the same devotional and just had to find out more about this great woman, Sheerah. Thank you, Wil, for your information and inspiration!
Brenda Russell
February 17, 2023 8:40 amCame across Sheerah in my morning study…and then found your teaching. Thank you so much. God bless you!
Édouard
August 22, 2015 8:54 amExcellent article. I wish Rev. Gafney could carry this message to her African sistren here on the continent. She is most welcome!
Chloe
January 7, 2016 4:53 pmThank you for this beautiful homily. I found it when looking up information on Sheerah after reading from 1 Chronicles in my daily devotions.
lyeasley
August 13, 2016 9:17 amMe too!! (Several months later.)
I am sure that the Lord wanted to urge me on in the work He has fore-ordained for me to do!
Grateful to this valuant servant and all the rest of you out there, serking to serve Him!!
Mary Louise
January 30, 2025 7:41 amYes, I also looked up Sheerah after reading about her one morning. I was thrilled to find that someone had done the research and written an article about her and her cities. Wonderful article.
Diane
August 4, 2016 10:02 pmJust wonderful! I read about Sherah tonight and couldn’t stop until I saw your article! I WILL use this for a LTML (Listen to my Life Group. Thank you!!!
Francine Walker
November 17, 2016 9:59 amAbsolutely powerful message!! Was captured by this story during my devotional/study. So glad the Chronicler recorded this one. Amazing! Thank you.
Bilha
January 19, 2017 8:48 amWow, this is the scripture I woke up to today…. such powerful exposition. God bless you Rev. Gafney.
Helen
March 25, 2017 7:30 amThank you for sharing this good Word! Wish you were closer to Ohio so I could hear you speak, as I can ‘hear’ God’s voice in your writings
Glory Ilori
March 27, 2017 9:59 amThank you, Thank you, Amen.
T
April 7, 2017 12:26 pmThis was so good. I had never took note of Sheerah in the Bible; HOWEVER, I will never look at her the same again! Bless you.
Lex
April 30, 2017 6:37 amPowerful Word. I was just reading 1 Chronicles 7 & got to vs: 24 and was pondered on Sheerah. The Joly Spirit lead me to do a Google search. This site came up with a list of others-God directed me here! When the Lord speaks a Word, glory to be praised to His holy name. I am filled with joy untold.I hope that others will receive this wonderful revelation. Daughters of the Fatherare mighty. Amen
Nana
November 15, 2025 9:46 amExactly what happened to me this afternoon. I was reading 1 Chronicles and got to v24. I began to ponder on Sheerah. I conducted a Google search and chanced on your article. Thank you indeed.
Mercedes
May 28, 2017 11:02 pmLove the info on Sheerah!! Thank you so much! God bless you!
Danielle
May 30, 2017 6:44 pmThank you for sharing this! I was just reading in 2 Chronicles and never before had heard about Sheerah and the cities that she built so I decided to research it a little on the web and came across your blog post. It really encouraged me. God bless!
Kristina Pham
June 14, 2017 4:28 amPRAISE YOU SISTER! This revelation hit me so hard that God used a woman like Sheerah to build a city and pass on the legacy in which Joshua was blessed from!
Such a beautifully written article my sister – thank you!
Mary
July 10, 2017 9:16 amI, too, was led here by my one year NLT Bible reading yesterday! Couldn’t get that scripture out of my mind. Thank our dear Lord for including it in his Word-the sword of the Spirit-the offensive weapon for those who have put on the full armor of God!–Thank you for posting your sermon!
Sheerah
November 27, 2017 6:26 pmHi there,
My name is Sheerah, and it’s always great when people recognize the biblical roots of the name rather than the 80’s cartoon sidekick to He-Man. =)
Thank you for this powerful, stirring prose.
Patsy Chidembo
March 28, 2018 8:14 amToday is the first day l read about Sheerah and it was in a prayer item when l was browsing through the below website, https://whenwomenpray.org/prayer-bulletin/107-tuesday-21st-june-2016.html
Aaagh I never new about this great woman, so l googled the name for the verse and voila, your website caught my attention.
My oh my, the way you expound on her and her calling, tugged at my heart..even if your article is 6years old, its still as sharp as a double edged sword into my heart. Thank you.
PS: am going to use your notes in a womens’ group l am in..kisses
Shout out to Texas from Windhoek, Namibia
Wil
March 29, 2018 12:05 amI’m so glad it was helpful. Bless you.
Mimi
March 29, 2018 9:37 amGod has placed in my heart a desire to help others reach their potential. Although I am plagued with self doubt, I am encoraged today to continue to pursue that desire, to build on what God has placed in me to glorify him through the edification of his people. God bless Sheerah for the example she set and God bless you for shedding light on her enduring accomplishments. We work not just for today but for the benefit of generations to come!
Sue
March 29, 2018 9:48 amJust came across Sheerah today – don’t know how I missed her all these years. Google searched her to study a little and came across your blog post. Thank you for the insight. The Lord has given my husband and I a vision to literally build something. We are 8 years into waiting for the fulfillment. As you said, been laying the digging those figurative ditches and laying sewers and waters lines so we are ready to build when God says “GO!”. Great word for me today!
Stan G. Duncan
March 29, 2018 12:38 pmWil, I don’t know you from didley, I have no idea how your name ran into mine and we became fake friends on Facebook, and I have no idea why I got a link to your sermon today. But I’ve gotta tell you, girl, that’s a damn fine sermon. One of the best I’ve heard (read) in years. I may even steal a line or two from it one of these days (with correct attribution, of course.:-) ). Thanks for plowing through all the data and pouring out your creative juices to put it together.
Stan
C. Crowley
May 12, 2018 8:08 amI ran into Sheerah when reading the dull (and/or bloody) histories and was aghast that we never heard of her in my Baptist upbringing, which was very Biblically-oriented. I am a Congregationalist now, and haven’t heard word one about her there either. smh
agapie'
July 4, 2018 5:13 pmoh my gosh!!!
i just love Sheerah!
i actually had an encouraging exhorting word using building houses, foundations and God having the plans to my life and situation like a builder has blueprints and that it has to have a sure strong foundation to support the “head” like on a body referring to my husband at the time… all hell had broken loose in my life at the time especially in my marriage…back in 2004… and my career just happen to be be in the new home building industry since 1987…so Jesus was really talking my lingo…. and NOW i just came across your blog today and just this last week came across the term “midrash” which i don’t believe i had ever heard of…..BUT GOD….will lead this horse to HIS WATER of HIS WORD of HIS PEOPLES cause i am always “THIRSTY” !
So Dr. Wil…. thank you much! i am a TEXAN too! so i can RELATE!!! better late than never to the party you have hear at Jesus Divine Gala… i have already emailed this to several of my lady intercessors…..YOU ROCK!!!
i look forward to eating much more from the fare hear at Jesus table…by the way you are a true “chef” of HIS WORD!!!
i don’t live by bread alone BUT by every WORD that proceeds out of the MOUTH of GOD!!!
thank you sister in Christ Jesus the REAL!
i am eating
drinking
and be=ing MERRY in the LORD!
Tracey Ivy
September 22, 2018 4:39 pmI just came across your blog and this beautiful sermon. This sermon knocked the ball out of the park for me. I am a UM minister, single with no children and I identify with Sheerah’s story. I came to a small rural town in western Oklahoma known for its racial divide and white male old-school dominance. Many women here have received formal educations in various professions mostly teachers and in an educational capacity. Yet, the white male dominance and white female subservient and superior attitude is alive and well. I am degreed in business administration and education and I hold a theological degree. I have worked in corporate America but my life’s work has always been in ministry. I am my congregations first black, single female pastor. For just over 2yrs I have been building and cultivating new relationships and a vision for a culture and a faith community that embraces all people. Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of community and world. Sheerah’s call and journey to building cities could not have been an easy one. Certainly, not in the time and culture, she lived in, but here we are preaching and teaching on the power of her work and cities she built thousands of years later. Thank you for your work and timely sermon, it is a word in season for me. May I use it as I continue to build in a town and church where the challenges and enemies are great? I shall prevail since God is for me and called me for such a time as this. Blessings
Kim Teal
October 1, 2018 7:45 amI was reading I Chronicles 6 and was intrigued by Sheerah. Wanting to know more, I googled her name and found this. What a fascinating story! Thank you for the exhortation and all the rich details. Who says reading a geneology is boring?! I feel challenged and inspired. God bless you!
Minnie Thomas
January 20, 2019 12:46 pmExcited to see this blog posted, I discovered it while teaching a class on Women of the Old Testament, Who they were and why they mattered. After reading your message on Sheerah! I found myself shouting “HOO-RAH for SHEERAH
Candice
January 24, 2019 6:52 pmThank you for taking the time write all that out! It was structured so well, the flow made sense, your personality is very engaging and it was so informative! Much like a few others here, I came across Sheerah in my morning devotion and was astounded that she would build THREE cities in a time ruled by men! I just had to learn more about her! What a gem she is!
Veronita Freeman-Nwaoha
January 29, 2019 6:11 pmGo day in Jesus, Thanks for your article on Sheerah. I’m with a book about contributions of Bible women. I wanted to see if there was any other info on Sheerah when I came across your beautiful and informative article.su God continue to bless with more wisdom. Thanks again for knowledge to keep the biblical sisters alive
A. Victoria
February 1, 2019 2:24 amTHIS WAS AMAZING!!! It struck me so hard, I cried. Thank you! PRAISE GOD for this revelation!
Lisa Brush
March 8, 2019 9:22 pmThank you for pouring out your love for the Sisterhood I know it was meant for me to find this. What a beautiful revelation I have just received. Confirmation ❤️
Gina
July 4, 2019 10:33 amI just found Sheerah by accident I’m my morning readings and was stunned- what?!? A woman who built three cities?!?
Ive been a Christian all my life and I e never heard of this WHY NOT ?!?
I googled her and found this sermon page and it’s right on and just what I needed to hear today. God is good! And very creative at getting me to where he wants me to go! 🙂
J Butler
July 24, 2019 9:12 pmOutstanding article!! I was amazed to find it when I was reading through Chronicle with all the “begat” and this passage about Sheerah leaped out because she was a city builder. I was stunned and set out to learn more about Sheerah because I never heard about this story. I also agree there are so many nuggets in the “begat” and Sheerah is one greatest nuggets I discovered.
Thanks for taking the time to bring forth this message, which has encouraged my heart as a builder of communities through investing in people and properties!
John
February 14, 2020 11:15 amExcellent message. Revival
Michelle
June 12, 2020 5:36 amYou speak directly from the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you so much for this, this is a wonderful encouragement and a warcry for my spirit.
Busi
July 8, 2020 6:37 amThank you for your faithfulness in writing this. I came across it in my yearly devotional reading (and this time i didn’t skip any parts).
This spoke to me personally and deeply and i clearly understand my commission for building.
God bless you and keep you for His purposes.
Kathy
July 9, 2020 8:11 amVery cool. I’m glad someone else got as excited about Sheerah as much as me! Thanks.
Mary Beth
April 29, 2021 11:30 am1 Chronicals 7 is part of my scripture reading today and I was so excited to hear this woman SHEERAH mentioned – and a woman who built THREE CITIES! I do struggle with this genealogy but you will have me reading with a bit more care in the future!
Lori
May 8, 2021 11:21 amWhat a powerful message. Thank you so much. I am always hesitant about being a strong woman and feeling the need to step back and keep quiet. I think of Deborah, the Judge of Israel also. God bless you and all who pass this way.
Precious
August 10, 2026 3:14 amThank you, indeed, we have been blessed!
June
August 4, 2021 10:25 amI just looked Sheerah up because I was reading her passage this morning and hadn’t taken notice before. I wanted to know more about her and how she had managed to gain the engineering knowledge needed for such a feat at that time in history. What was her society like, that she was able to do this and get credit for it? Thank you for your thoughts on the subject.
Sheera
March 18, 2022 3:27 amIt was very interesting to read your blog because my name is Sheera it’s written without the “h” but I was named after her-the city builder. I have one question regarding your blog, how is it possible that Sheerah was one of the “baby mamas” of the Kind David but then you write “she never married or had kids”. That contradicts the description. Don’t get me wrong I just want to if it was a mistake. Because I don’t see this in the Bible, that David had a wife named Sheerah – the city builder.
I’d love to hear your opinion on that, of course with the Bible as a receipt. Thank you and God bless!
Wil
March 18, 2022 3:32 pmJust bad punctuation. Sheerah along with David’s baby mama’s in Chronicles.
Chiquita Mitchell
May 5, 2022 3:17 pmAll I can say is WOW!
Nicki
June 23, 2022 9:30 amThank you. A million times thank you. I discovered Sheerah about 6years ago & she is my favorite woman in the Bible. I’ve always been saddened that there isn’t much said about her & that she is only mentioned once in the Bible. Today I desided to research the key word from that verse she is mentioned in and I found your article (I am really glad that I found it). You have given me a new perspective on how to embrace her story & I will prayerfully continue my research to see if I can find out more on her.
Greg Ginn
July 9, 2023 9:00 amDuring a daily Bible reading today, I read about Sheerah and wanted to know more. Your sermon gave me much more than I had hoped for. thank you for sharing that and preaching the gospel.
Julia Bowling
August 13, 2023 9:46 amWow. Thank you SOO much for researching and writing this article, Sister! Not 10 minutes ago I was having one of those questioning, discouraged moments. Opened my Bible for my Bible reading of the day to I Chronicles 7. (I had my audio Bible app playing along simultaneously.) When I hit verse 24, I paused my audio and said, “Wait a minute..Sherah (KJV) built these cities? And what is their geographic location and what have they become now?” A quick Google search took me straight to your article.
Yes, the “begat” wording is a little confusing. Whether Sherah was Ephraim’s daughter or granddaughter, I also think that Ephraim poured into her life and taught her. Scarred by the loss of so many sons, I imagine that he might have said, “Traditions be hanged! I’m going to teach this little smart girl everything I know!”
Blessings on your day and on your ministry! In the second half of my life, walking with Jesus where He leads, I am encouraged today!
Sarah L. Sanderson
September 14, 2023 3:38 pmWhat a powerful word. I loved your sermon and I loved reading all the comments of everyone saying, “I just stumbled across Sheerah today… glad I found this!” …which is my story, too! I loved learning all of this and especially loved learning of the meaning of Uzzen-Sheerah: “listen to Sheerah.” To think that the Lord listens to us and protects what we have built! I am white, but I’m praying today for my Black women sisters: may the work of your hands be well established. May the Lord listen to you as you cry out to him, and protect all that you are building. And for those of us who are white, may we see the good work you all are doing and humbly join in to help you as you build our cities up for the Lord. Bless you today, Dr. Wil. Thank you for your powerful work.
Precious Nyarambi
January 24, 2024 3:44 pmSuch a beautiful story, well explained. I learned quite a lot. God bless you.
Miriam
February 21, 2024 1:08 pmThank you so much for taking the time to pen this article. It spoke to me so much of how God chose to honor a woman in a time when men did not. Moreover, He brought men to her work so they, too, could witness the honoring. She wanted to be heard and God heard her. So beautiful.
Tafadzwa
February 21, 2025 10:47 amI came acrossSheerah during my study after reading a comment about her grandfather’s grief today and just wanted to know more. The Holy Spirit led me to your article and it is confirmation of what the Holy Spirit has been whispering to me. I am a civil engineer so deeply resonate with everything Thank you MayGod bless you
Oluwaseun Adesina
March 8, 2025 2:10 pmWow, I’m so blessed to have come across this, I can’t believe this was written 2012. God’s words is always alive, hallelujah. Thank you so much for writing and putting it up here. I was reading 1 Chronicles and I just felt a little bit tired of all the ‘son of son of that’s and I wanted to skip but I just felt the nudge to keep calm and read it the I came across Sheerah and I was hold up how come I’ve never heard of this name or the great things she had done and lately I’ve been learning a little bit about Deborah and Jael so seeing her name was beautiful. I just knew I couldn’t just let it go, I searched on her and your post just popped up first for me and I bless God cos He brought me here. I bless God for your life, I’m grateful to God for you. May the Lord continue to bless you and cause His face to shine on you at all times ❤️
Caroline S.
May 21, 2025 8:07 amHere we are in 2025, and for those who come later, being blessed by your research, insight, and clarity. I, too, came across Sheerah in my reading and felt prompted to do some research. What a beautiful exposition. I imagine in heaven, we’ll have wonderful talks and be able to ask and see how the Lord was good, and used Sheerah to advance His will, & I for one look forward to learning from her
Candace
October 25, 2025 3:34 pmThis blog continues to feed folks even 14 years on; clearly it was written on a solid foundation! Thank you for writing, God bless you
Marlene Hope
March 10, 2026 4:42 amI have read the book of 1+2 Chronicles but obviously missed the name. On Int’l Women’s Day this year last Sunday to be exact. I was at an event and the speaker alluded to Sheerah. My mind went to She-Ra -The warrior princess cartoon and I started to wonder if that is where the producers got the idea from? Anyways I started researching while the speaker was speaking. I came upon this teaching and I like the train of thought. Thank you.
I am going to teach on this. I am going to do some more research. It is quite intriguing.
Sylvia Blakely
April 29, 2026 7:07 amI’m so glad to have read your article/sermon this morning. It set me off -using my sanctified imagination- and I began to research the meaning of the name Sheerah. I thought about her upbringing in Egypt-witnessing the amazing city architecture being built and her dreaming about one day becoming a city builder. Her standing in a male dominated world after the death of her male relatives and being Ephraim’s “remnant” by making a name for the tribe that stood for centuries! Solomon even got to reinforced two of her cities and her legacy. Our church is in the process of expanding and the general contractor is a woman! I will have to share this to thr attention of “Brittany the builder” which is what we just happen to call her.
Olusola
August 4, 2026 8:48 amThank you so much for this. I can’t believe I am reading this 14 years after it was written but I an grateful to God for making me read it. I was searching to read more on Sheerah when your website came up. It has given me clarity and direction on the new path of building that God is taking me through. Thank you again, Wil.
Catherine Mutindi Ndambuki
September 17, 2026 9:57 pmOh wow!What a great read this morning .I mean ,it was written while I was in Form one and had just gotten born again and now,14 years later when I look forward to joining my masters in Theology it still still gives life to my bones!You are a blessing to me . God bless you.