Topical Encyclopedia Shemaiah, identified as a false prophet in the Old Testament, plays a significant role in the narrative of the prophet Jeremiah. His actions and words are recorded primarily in the book of Jeremiah, where he stands in opposition to the true prophetic message delivered by Jeremiah himself.Historical Context Shemaiah's activities are set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, a period of great turmoil and uncertainty for the people of Judah. During this time, many prophets arose, claiming to speak on behalf of the LORD, but not all were genuine. The true prophets, like Jeremiah, called the people to repentance and submission to God's will, while false prophets often delivered messages of false hope and reassurance. Biblical Account The primary account of Shemaiah is found in Jeremiah 29. After the first wave of exiles had been taken to Babylon, Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles, urging them to settle down, build houses, and seek the welfare of the city to which they had been carried. He warned them not to be deceived by false prophets and diviners among them (Jeremiah 29:8-9): "For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners among you, and do not listen to the dreams you elicit from them. For they are falsely prophesying to you in My name; I have not sent them,' declares the LORD." Shemaiah, who was among the exiles, opposed Jeremiah's message. He wrote letters in his own name to the people in Jerusalem, including the priest Zephaniah, accusing Jeremiah of madness and urging that he be put in stocks and shackles (Jeremiah 29:24-26): "You are to tell Shemaiah the Nehelamite that this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Because you have sent letters in your own name to all the people in Jerusalem, to Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying: 'The LORD has appointed you priest in place of Jehoiada, to be the chief officer in the house of the LORD, responsible for any madman who acts like a prophet. You must put him in stocks and neck irons.'" Divine Judgment In response to Shemaiah's actions, the LORD delivered a message through Jeremiah, condemning Shemaiah for his rebellion against God's word. The LORD declared that Shemaiah would have no descendants to dwell among the people, and he would not see the good that God would do for His people, because he had preached rebellion against the LORD (Jeremiah 29:31-32): "Send a message to all the exiles, saying, 'This is what the LORD says concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, though I did not send him, and has made you trust in a lie, this is what the LORD says: I will surely punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants. He will have no one left among this people, nor will he see the good that I will do for My people,' declares the LORD, 'because he has preached rebellion against Me.'" Theological Implications Shemaiah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of false prophecy and the importance of discerning true messages from God. His opposition to Jeremiah highlights the conflict between true and false prophets, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. The narrative underscores the necessity of faithfulness to God's word and the consequences of leading others astray. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 29:24-32Thus shall you also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying, Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 4105. Mehetabel -- "God benefits," wife of an Edomite king, also ...... 4104, 4105. Mehetabel. 4106 . "God benefits," wife of an Edomite king, also an ancestor of the false prophet Shemaiah. Transliteration ... /hebrew/4105.htm - 6k Library The Rending of the Kingdom Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. ) How, Upon the Death of Solomon the People Forsook his Son Rehoboam ... Protest and Agony. (I, iv. 10, 19, vi. 11, xi. 18-xii. 6, xv. 10 ... The Acceptable Sacrifice; The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Obed in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Obadiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Shemaiah: A Chief Levite During the Time of David Shemaiah: A Chief Man With Ezra Shemaiah: A Descendant of David Shemaiah: A False Prophet in the Time of Nehemiah Shemaiah: A Jew Who Returned from Babylon With Ezra Shemaiah: A Levite Sent by Jehoshaphat to Instruct the People in the Law Shemaiah: A Levite Who Assisted in the Divisions (Shifts) of the Priests Shemaiah: A Levite Who Contributed Largely for Passover Sacrifices Shemaiah: A Levite, Son of Jeduthun Shemaiah: A Merarite in Charge of the Business of the Temple During the Time of Nehemiah Shemaiah: A Porter of the Temple During the Time of David Shemaiah: A Priest Who Put Away (Divorced) his Gentile Wife Shemaiah: A Priest Who Sealed the Covenant With Nehemiah Shemaiah: A Priest With Zerubbabel Shemaiah: A Prophet in the Time of Rehoboam: Prevents Rehoboam from War With Jeroboam Shemaiah: A Prophet in the Time of Rehoboam: Writes Chronicles Shemaiah: An Israelite Who Put Away (Divorced) his Gentile Wife Shemaiah: Father of the Prophet Urijah Shemaiah: Keeper of the East Gate of Jerusalem in the Time of Nehemiah Shemaiah: Son of Galal: Called Shemmua Shemaiah: Son of Joel: Called Shema Shemaiah: The Name of Three Men Who Celebrated the Dedication of the New Wall of Jerusalem Related Terms |
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