Shelemiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah. He is identified as the father of Jehucal, a significant character during the tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile.

Biblical References:

Shelemiah is mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah. His son, Jehucal, is noted for his interactions with the prophet Jeremiah during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah. The primary reference to Shelemiah is found in Jeremiah 37:3:

"King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah to Jeremiah the prophet with this message: 'Please pray to the LORD our God for us.'" (Jeremiah 37:3)

This passage highlights the role of Jehucal, Shelemiah's son, as an envoy of King Zedekiah, tasked with seeking divine intervention through the prophet Jeremiah. The mention of Shelemiah here serves to identify Jehucal's lineage, which was a common practice in biblical genealogies to establish identity and heritage.

Historical and Theological Context:

The period during which Shelemiah and his son Jehucal lived was marked by political instability and spiritual decline in the Kingdom of Judah. King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest, faced immense pressure from the Babylonian Empire. In this context, the leaders of Judah, including Jehucal, sought guidance from the prophet Jeremiah, who was known for his messages of impending judgment and calls for repentance.

Shelemiah's mention, though brief, places him within the broader narrative of Judah's last days before the exile. His son Jehucal's involvement in seeking Jeremiah's intercession indicates the desperation and urgency felt by the leaders of Judah as they faced the threat of Babylonian domination.

Significance:

While Shelemiah himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his identification as the father of Jehucal provides insight into the familial and social structures of the time. It underscores the importance of lineage and the roles individuals played in the unfolding events of Judah's history.

The account of Jehucal, son of Shelemiah, serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between political authority and prophetic ministry in ancient Israel. It highlights the challenges faced by the leaders of Judah as they navigated the spiritual and political crises of their day, often turning to prophets like Jeremiah for guidance and support.

In summary, Shelemiah's mention in the Bible, though limited, connects him to a critical period in Judah's history, illustrating the broader themes of divine judgment, repentance, and the quest for divine intervention during times of national distress.Jeremiah 37:3
And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now to the LORD our God for us.
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Jeremiah 38:1
Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken to all the people, saying,
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