Topical Encyclopedia Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He is recognized as a significant character during the tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Gemariah's role is primarily associated with his involvement in the events surrounding the prophet Jeremiah and the reading of Jeremiah's scroll.Family Background and Position Gemariah was the son of Shaphan, a scribe who served under King Josiah of Judah. Shaphan is noted for his role in the discovery of the Book of the Law during the temple renovations ordered by King Josiah (2 Kings 22:3-13). This connection places Gemariah within a family that was influential in the religious reforms of the time. Gemariah himself served as a scribe or official in the court of King Jehoiakim, Josiah's son, indicating his continued prominence in the royal administration. Role in the Book of Jeremiah Gemariah is most notably mentioned in Jeremiah 36, which describes the events surrounding the reading of Jeremiah's scroll. In the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, Jeremiah was instructed by the LORD to write down all the words He had spoken against Israel, Judah, and the nations, from the time of Josiah until that day. Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, wrote these words on a scroll and read them in the temple. Jeremiah 36:10 states: "From the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, which was in the upper courtyard at the entrance of the New Gate of the LORD’s house, Baruch read the words of Jeremiah in the hearing of all the people." This indicates that Gemariah's chamber was strategically located, allowing for the public proclamation of the prophetic message. Intervention and Advocacy When the scroll was read, it caused a significant stir among the officials. Gemariah, along with other officials, heard the words and recognized their importance. They advised Baruch and Jeremiah to hide, fearing the king's reaction. The officials then took the scroll to King Jehoiakim, who, upon hearing its contents, cut it with a scribe's knife and burned it in the fire (Jeremiah 36:23). Despite the king's actions, Gemariah, along with Elnathan and Delaiah, implored the king not to burn the scroll, demonstrating his respect for the prophetic word and his concern for the consequences of disregarding it (Jeremiah 36:25). This act of advocacy highlights Gemariah's integrity and his alignment with the prophetic message, despite the political risks involved. Legacy and Significance Gemariah's involvement in these events underscores the tension between the prophetic message and the political powers of the time. His willingness to stand against the king's destructive actions reflects a commitment to the truth of God's word, as delivered through Jeremiah. Gemariah's account serves as a testament to the importance of upholding divine revelation, even in the face of opposition. In summary, Gemariah, son of Shaphan, is remembered as a faithful scribe and official who played a crucial role in the preservation and proclamation of Jeremiah's prophetic message. His actions during a critical moment in Judah's history exemplify the courage and conviction required to support God's truth amidst political and social challenges. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 36:10-12,25Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD's house, in the ears of all the people. Nave's Topical Index Library The Release of Hope. (xxiv, xxix. ) The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories The Doctrine of the Scriptures. The Writing of an Ancient Book The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Who was Micaiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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