Shemaiah is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized for his role as a Levite. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties and service in the temple, and Shemaiah's contributions are recorded in various passages of the Bible, highlighting his significance in the religious and communal life of Israel.

Genealogy and Role:

Shemaiah is mentioned in the genealogical records of the Levites, which underscore his heritage and the responsibilities that came with it. In 1 Chronicles 15:8, Shemaiah is listed among the Levites whom King David appointed to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This event was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as the Ark represented God's presence among His people. The text states: "From the descendants of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the leader and 200 of his relatives."

Service in the Temple:

Shemaiah's service extended to the temple, where he played a crucial role in the worship and religious practices of the Israelites. In 1 Chronicles 24:6, Shemaiah is mentioned as a scribe, a position of great responsibility, as he was involved in organizing the divisions of the priests for their service in the temple. The passage reads: "The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and the officials, and Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of the families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar and then one from Ithamar."

Role in Reforms:

Shemaiah's influence is also noted during the reign of King Hezekiah, a period marked by religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh. In 2 Chronicles 29:14, Shemaiah is listed among the Levites who were involved in the cleansing and consecration of the temple, an essential step in restoring proper worship practices. The verse states: "From the descendants of Heman: Jehiel and Shimei; from the descendants of Jeduthun: Shemaiah and Uzziel."

Legacy:

Shemaiah's legacy as a Levite is characterized by his dedication to the service of God and his involvement in significant religious events. His participation in the transportation of the Ark, his role as a scribe, and his contribution to the temple reforms under Hezekiah highlight his commitment to upholding the spiritual and religious integrity of Israel. Through these actions, Shemaiah exemplifies the vital role of the Levites in maintaining the worship and religious traditions of the Israelite community.2 Chronicles 31:15
And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brothers by courses, as well to the great as to the small:
Nave's Topical Index

Chronicles
... has been not unreasonably conjectured that the author was himself a Levite and member ...
Chronicles 29:29), the prophecy of Ahijah, the book of Shemaiah, the book ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/chronicles.htm

Books of the Hebrew Canon.
... in the same volume." The same action is ascribed in the one "to Shemaiah, at Shechem ...
and Cleopatra, Dositheus, who said that he was a priest and Levite, and his ...
/.../chapter ii books of the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Here they took counsel of a Levite whom Michah had made his priest, and, in answer
to the question whether their journey would be prosperous, he told them to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who was Obed in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who 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