Delaiah, the son of Shemaiah, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He is noted for his involvement in the events surrounding the prophet Jeremiah during the tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 36:12 · Delaiah is introduced in the context of King Jehoiakim's reign. He is one of the officials present when Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah, reads the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies. The verse states: "he went down to the king’s palace, into the secretary’s chamber. And all the officials were sitting there: Elishama the secretary, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials."

2. Jeremiah 36:25 · Delaiah, along with Elnathan and Gemariah, pleads with King Jehoiakim not to burn the scroll. Despite their efforts, the king disregards their counsel and proceeds to destroy the scroll. The verse reads: "Even after Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah had urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them."

Historical and Theological Context:

Delaiah's presence among the officials of King Jehoiakim suggests that he held a position of some influence and responsibility within the Judean administration. His actions during the incident with the scroll indicate a level of respect for the prophetic word of Jeremiah, or at least a concern for the implications of destroying such a document. This episode highlights the tension between the prophetic message of impending judgment and the political leadership's resistance to it.

From a theological perspective, Delaiah's involvement in this narrative underscores the recurring biblical theme of the struggle between divine revelation and human authority. His attempt to prevent the destruction of the scroll can be seen as an acknowledgment of the seriousness of Jeremiah's prophecies, reflecting a recognition of God's sovereignty and the importance of heeding His warnings.

Significance:

Delaiah's role, though brief, is significant in illustrating the varied responses to God's word during a critical period in Judah's history. His actions, alongside those of Elnathan and Gemariah, serve as a reminder of the importance of standing for truth and righteousness, even when faced with opposition from those in power. The account of Delaiah in the Book of Jeremiah provides insight into the complex dynamics at play in the final years of the Kingdom of Judah and the challenges faced by those who sought to align themselves with God's will.