Shemaiah is a figure mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, specifically in Nehemiah 6:10-14. He is identified as a false prophet who attempted to undermine Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This period was marked by significant opposition from various external and internal adversaries, and Shemaiah's actions are a notable example of the internal threats faced by Nehemiah.

Context and Background

The events involving Shemaiah occur during the post-exilic period when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity. Nehemiah, serving as the governor of Judah, was tasked with the monumental project of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, which had been in ruins. This project was not only a physical reconstruction but also a spiritual and communal renewal for the Jewish people.

The Deception of Shemaiah

In Nehemiah 6:10, Nehemiah recounts a visit to the house of Shemaiah, who was confined to his home. Shemaiah proposed that Nehemiah meet with him in the temple, suggesting that they close the doors for protection because there was a plot to kill Nehemiah. The Berean Standard Bible records Shemaiah's words: "Let us meet at the house of God, inside the temple, and let us shut the temple doors, because they are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you."

Nehemiah, discerning the deceit, refused Shemaiah's counsel. He recognized that entering the temple in such a manner would be a violation of the law, as it was not appropriate for someone who was not a priest to seek refuge there. Nehemiah's response, as recorded in Nehemiah 6:11 , was, "Should a man like me flee? How can someone like me enter the temple and live? I will not go."

The Revelation of Shemaiah's True Intentions

Nehemiah's insight into Shemaiah's true intentions is revealed in Nehemiah 6:12-13 : "I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had pronounced this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me."

Shemaiah's actions were part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Tobiah and Sanballat, two prominent adversaries of Nehemiah. Their goal was to instill fear in Nehemiah, leading him to sin and thereby tarnish his reputation and leadership.

Nehemiah's Prayer and the Outcome

In response to this treachery, Nehemiah turned to prayer, seeking God's justice against those who sought to harm him. Nehemiah 6:14 records his prayer: "Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me."

Nehemiah's reliance on God and his steadfastness in the face of deception exemplify his leadership and faith. The rebuilding of the wall was completed despite the opposition, demonstrating God's providence and the triumph of truth over falsehood.

Significance in Biblical Narrative

Shemaiah's role as a false prophet serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit and the importance of discernment. His actions highlight the internal challenges that can arise even among those who are part of the covenant community. Nehemiah's experience with Shemaiah underscores the necessity of spiritual vigilance and the reliance on God's wisdom to navigate the complexities of leadership and faithfulness to God's commands.Nehemiah 6:10
Afterward I came to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay you; yes, in the night will they come to slay you.
Nave's Topical Index

The Pharisee and the Publican
... you, to speak thus well of himself at this time? ... in that conceit of conversion that
was false, and so ... Their possessors slay them (saith the prophet), and hold ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... you, to speak thus well of himself at this time? ... in that conceit of conversion that
was false, and so ... Whose possessors slay them, [saith the prophet,] and hold ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Just at this time, however, there lived a man who was ... that Samuel was established
to be a prophet of the ... exhorted the people to put away their false gods, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Obadiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus