Topical Encyclopedia Shemaiah is a biblical figure recognized as a priest during the reign of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. His role and actions are primarily documented in the Old Testament, where he is depicted as a man of God who played a significant part in guiding the people of Israel during a tumultuous period in their history.Historical Context Shemaiah's ministry occurred during the early years of the divided kingdom, following the death of Solomon. The kingdom of Israel was split into two: the northern kingdom, known as Israel, and the southern kingdom, known as Judah. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, ruled over Judah, while Jeroboam became the king of Israel. This division led to political and religious tensions, with both kingdoms striving for stability and identity. Role and Prophetic Ministry Shemaiah is first introduced in the biblical narrative as a prophet who delivers a critical message from God to Rehoboam and the people of Judah. In 1 Kings 12:22-24 , it is recorded: "But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God: 'Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to the whole house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, "This is what the LORD says: You are not to march up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this is My doing."' So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD." This passage highlights Shemaiah's role as a divine messenger, tasked with preventing a civil war between the two kingdoms. His obedience to God's command and his influence over Rehoboam and the people of Judah underscore his importance as a spiritual leader and mediator. Shemaiah's Influence and Legacy Shemaiah's intervention was pivotal in maintaining peace during a critical juncture in Israel's history. By persuading Rehoboam to refrain from attacking the northern kingdom, Shemaiah helped avert bloodshed and further division among the Israelites. His actions demonstrate the power of prophetic ministry in guiding and shaping the course of a nation. In addition to his role in this specific event, Shemaiah's presence in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to God's voice through His appointed messengers. His faithfulness to God's word and his ability to influence the king and the people reflect the significant role that priests and prophets played in the spiritual and political life of ancient Israel. Biblical References Shemaiah's account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. In 2 Chronicles 12:5-7 , Shemaiah again appears as a prophet who delivers God's message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah during an invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt: "Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, 'This is what the LORD says: You have abandoned Me; therefore, I have abandoned you to Shishak.' So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, 'The LORD is righteous.' When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah: 'They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.'" This passage illustrates Shemaiah's continued role as a conduit for divine communication, emphasizing the themes of repentance and divine mercy. Conclusion Shemaiah's contributions as a priest and prophet during the reign of Rehoboam highlight the critical role of spiritual leadership in times of national crisis. His faithfulness to God's word and his ability to influence the course of events underscore the enduring significance of prophetic ministry in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 12:35And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph: Nave's Topical Index Library Doubtful Fragments on the Pentateuch. Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. ) The Kingdom Op Judah. How, Upon the Death of Solomon the People Forsook his Son Rehoboam ... Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Protest and Agony. (I, iv. 10, 19, vi. 11, xi. 18-xii. 6, xv. 10 ... Chronicles Books of the Hebrew Canon. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho 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 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 |
    |