Shelemiah, identified as the son of Cushi, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. His 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 signify divine attributes or blessings.

Biblical References:

Shelemiah is mentioned in the context of the prophet Jeremiah's ministry. In Jeremiah 36:14, Shelemiah is noted as the father of Jehudi, who was sent by the officials to Baruch to bring the scroll of Jeremiah's prophecies. The passage reads: "Then all the officials sent Jehudi son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, to Baruch, saying, 'Take in your hand the scroll from which you have read in the hearing of the people, and come.' So Baruch son of Neriah took the scroll in his hand and went to them" (Jeremiah 36:14).

Historical and Theological Context:

The mention of Shelemiah in the book of Jeremiah places him within a significant period of Judah's history, during the reign of King Jehoiakim. This was a time marked by political turmoil and spiritual decline, as the kingdom faced the threat of Babylonian conquest. The narrative involving Shelemiah's son, Jehudi, highlights the tension between the prophetic message of Jeremiah and the resistance of the Judean leadership to heed God's warnings.

Shelemiah's lineage, as noted in the text, traces back to Cushi, which may indicate a family of some standing or recognition within the community. The inclusion of his genealogy serves to authenticate Jehudi's role and the seriousness with which the officials approached the matter of Jeremiah's prophecies.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative:

While Shelemiah himself does not play a direct role in the events described, his mention underscores the interconnectedness of families and individuals in the unfolding of God's plans. The actions of his son, Jehudi, in retrieving the scroll, contribute to the broader narrative of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry and the eventual fulfillment of God's judgment upon Judah.

The account of Shelemiah and his descendants serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's word, even amidst opposition and disbelief. It also illustrates the intricate tapestry of relationships and events through which God communicates His will and purposes to His people.

Conclusion:

Shelemiah, though a minor figure in the biblical text, is part of the larger account of God's dealings with His people. His mention in the book of Jeremiah provides insight into the historical and spiritual context of the time, highlighting the challenges faced by the prophets and the resistance of the people to divine instruction.Jeremiah 36:14
Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, to Baruch, saying, Take in your hand the roll wherein you have read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came to them.
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