Topical Bible: Bribery: The False Prophet, Shemaiah

◄ Bribery: The False Prophet, Shemaiah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Bribery, a corrupt practice condemned throughout the Scriptures, is vividly illustrated in the actions of Shemaiah, a false prophet during the time of Nehemiah. The Bible consistently portrays bribery as a perversion of justice and a tool of deceit, undermining the moral and spiritual fabric of society. In the context of Shemaiah, bribery is intricately linked with false prophecy and manipulation, serving as a cautionary tale for believers.

Biblical Context

The account of Shemaiah is found in the book of Nehemiah, a narrative that details the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, faced significant opposition from external enemies and internal dissent. Among these adversaries was Shemaiah, who conspired with others to thwart Nehemiah's efforts through deceit and intimidation.

The Incident with Shemaiah

In Nehemiah 6:10-13 , we read about Nehemiah's encounter with Shemaiah:

"Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said: 'Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors, because they are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.' But I replied, 'Should a man like me run away? How can someone like me enter the temple and live? I will not go!' I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me."

Analysis of Shemaiah's Actions

Shemaiah's actions are a classic example of bribery used to manipulate and deceive. He was hired by Tobiah and Sanballat, Nehemiah's adversaries, to deliver a false prophecy intended to instill fear in Nehemiah and lead him into sin. The bribe served as a means to corrupt Shemaiah's prophetic office, turning him into a tool for those who sought to undermine God's work.

The false prophecy was designed to lure Nehemiah into the temple under false pretenses, violating the sanctity of the temple and discrediting him as a leader. Nehemiah's discernment and refusal to be swayed by Shemaiah's deceit highlight the importance of spiritual vigilance and integrity.

Biblical Condemnation of Bribery

Throughout Scripture, bribery is unequivocally condemned. In Exodus 23:8 , the law explicitly states, "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." Similarly, Proverbs 17:23 warns, "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice."

The actions of Shemaiah serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of bribery. By accepting a bribe, Shemaiah not only compromised his integrity but also attempted to thwart God's purposes. His account underscores the biblical principle that bribery leads to injustice and corruption, ultimately opposing the will of God.

Lessons for Believers

The account of Shemaiah and his involvement in bribery offers several lessons for believers. It emphasizes the need for discernment in the face of deceit and the importance of maintaining integrity in all dealings. Believers are called to uphold justice and truth, resisting the temptation to engage in or be swayed by corrupt practices.

In the broader biblical narrative, Shemaiah's account serves as a warning against the dangers of false prophecy and the corrupting influence of bribery. It calls believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's truth, recognizing that integrity and righteousness are foundational to a life that honors God.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 6:10-13
Afterward I came to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay you; yes, in the night will they come to slay you.
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