Lexical Summary Semakyahu: Semachiah Original Word: סְמַכְיָהוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Semachiah From camak and Yahh; supported of Jah; Semakjah, an Israelite -- Semachiah. see HEBREW camak see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom samak and Yah Definition "Yah has sustained," a Korahite NASB Translation Semachiah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs סְמַכְיָהוּ proper name, masculine (compare GrayProp. N. 294, No. 89; = ׳י hath sustained); — Korahite name 1 Chronicles 26:7; ᵐ5 Σαβχεια, A ᵐ5L Σαμαχια(ς). Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting Semachiah appears during the reign of King David when the priestly and Levitical orders were being organized for continual service before the LORD (1 Chronicles 23–26). The passage that names him stands in the catalog of gatekeepers who would guard every point of access to the sanctuary, ensuring reverent worship and safeguarding holy things. Genealogical Associations Semachiah is listed among the descendants of Obed-Edom, the Gittite whom David appointed to care for the ark after the death of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:10–12). God’s blessing on Obed-Edom’s house extended to his sons and grandsons, culminating in sixty-two able men for service (1 Chronicles 26:8). Semachiah, together with his brother Elihu, thus shares in a legacy that links personal devotion with generational fruitfulness. Role Among the Gatekeepers The gatekeepers controlled entry to the house of God, managed storerooms, and supervised treasures dedicated for temple use (1 Chronicles 26:20). By naming Semachiah among the “men of ability” (1 Chronicles 26:7), Scripture affirms both competence and consecration. A gatekeeper’s trustworthiness was essential, for any lapse could profane the sanctuary or imperil worshipers. Semachiah’s inclusion implies proven valor and reliability—traits valued as highly as priestly purity. Spiritual Significance of the Household of Obed-Edom Obed-Edom’s household had hosted the ark for three months, and the blessing that followed (2 Samuel 6:11) becomes a biblical paradigm: proximity to God’s presence invites favor that overflows to succeeding generations. Semachiah’s service materializes that promise. The pattern encourages families today to turn their homes into places where God is honored, confident that divine favor is not confined to one individual but can span an entire lineage. Character Qualities Commended The Hebrew phrase translated “men of ability” (1 Chronicles 26:7) carries connotations of strength, competence, and courage. Such descriptors echo earlier commendations of mighty men like Joshua (Joshua 1:6) and Gideon (Judges 6:12). The Chronicler presents Semachiah as embodying these qualities within a non-combatant ministry role, reminding readers that valor is as necessary in worship service as on the battlefield. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry 1. Faithfulness in unseen duties. Gatekeeping was not a public-facing ministry yet received explicit Scriptural attention, encouraging believers to esteem roles often hidden from view (Colossians 3:23). Intertextual Links and Redemptive Outlook The gatekeeper motif anticipates Christ, the ultimate Guardian of the flock and Door of the sheepfold (John 10:7). Semachiah’s faithful stewardship foreshadows the greater stewardship given to the Son, who secures safe access to the Father. In turn, believers as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) inherit a Semachiah-like calling: to guard the purity of worship, administer the resources of the kingdom, and welcome all who seek to enter through the only true Gate. Forms and Transliterations וּסְמַכְיָֽהוּ׃ וסמכיהו׃ ū·sə·maḵ·yā·hū usemachYahu ūsəmaḵyāhūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 26:7 HEB: חָ֑יִל אֱלִיה֖וּ וּסְמַכְיָֽהוּ׃ NAS: Elihu and Semachiah, were valiant KJV: men, Elihu, and Semachiah. INT: were valiant Elihu and Semachiah 1 Occurrence |
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