Shelemiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He is identified as the father of Hananiah, a prophet who played a significant role during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah. The name Shelemiah means "Yahweh has repaid" or "Yahweh is peace," reflecting a common practice in ancient Israel of embedding the name of God within personal names to convey faith and divine attributes.

Biblical References:

Shelemiah is mentioned in the context of his son Hananiah's prophetic activities. In Jeremiah 28, Hananiah is described as a prophet from Gibeon who opposed the prophet Jeremiah. Hananiah delivered a message of hope and restoration, claiming that God would break the yoke of Babylon and return the exiles and the sacred vessels to Jerusalem within two years. This prophecy directly contradicted Jeremiah's message, which warned of a prolonged Babylonian captivity.

Jeremiah 28:1-2 states: "In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, from Gibeon, said to me in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people: 'This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.'"

While Shelemiah himself is not the central figure in this narrative, his mention as Hananiah's father situates him within the broader context of the prophetic and political tensions of the time. The lineage and familial connections of prophets were often noted in the biblical text to establish credibility and heritage.

Historical and Theological Context:

The period during which Shelemiah and his son Hananiah lived was marked by significant turmoil and uncertainty for the Kingdom of Judah. The Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, posed a formidable threat, leading to the eventual fall of Jerusalem and the exile of many Judeans. Prophets like Jeremiah and Hananiah emerged with competing messages, reflecting the diverse responses to the crisis.

From a theological perspective, the account of Hananiah and his father Shelemiah highlights the challenges of discerning true prophecy. Hananiah's optimistic message was appealing to the people and the leaders of Judah, who longed for deliverance from Babylonian oppression. However, Jeremiah's warnings, though difficult to accept, were ultimately vindicated as the true word of the Lord.

Significance:

The mention of Shelemiah as the father of Hananiah serves as a reminder of the familial and communal dimensions of prophetic ministry in ancient Israel. It underscores the importance of lineage and the transmission of religious and cultural values through generations. While Shelemiah's personal actions and beliefs are not detailed in the biblical text, his role as Hananiah's father places him within the narrative of Judah's struggle to understand and respond to God's will during a critical period in its history.Nehemiah 3:30
After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.
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