Shemaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He is recognized as the father of the prophet Urijah, who played a significant role during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah. The account of Shemaiah and his son Urijah is found in Jeremiah 26:20-23.

Biblical Context

During the time of King Jehoiakim, the kingdom of Judah was experiencing significant turmoil and impending judgment due to its persistent disobedience to God. Prophets like Jeremiah were called to deliver messages of warning and repentance to the people. It is within this context that Urijah, the son of Shemaiah, emerges as a prophet.

Scriptural Reference

The primary reference to Shemaiah and his son Urijah is found in Jeremiah 26:20-23:

"Now there was another man who prophesied in the name of the LORD, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and this land in words like all those of Jeremiah. King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and officials heard his words, and the king sought to put him to death. But Uriah heard of it and fled in fear to Egypt. Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor and certain other men with him. They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him put to the sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people." (Jeremiah 26:20-23)

Historical and Theological Significance

Shemaiah's son, Urijah, is noted for his boldness in delivering a prophetic message similar to that of Jeremiah, warning of the consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness. This act of prophecy, however, led to severe repercussions. King Jehoiakim, known for his opposition to prophetic messages that threatened his reign, sought to silence Urijah by executing him. Urijah's flight to Egypt and subsequent capture and execution underscore the perilous nature of prophetic ministry during this period.

The account of Urijah, son of Shemaiah, highlights the broader theme of the rejection of God's messengers by the people of Judah. It serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of delivering God's truth in the face of opposition and the lengths to which earthly powers will go to suppress divine messages.

Genealogical Note

While the Bible does not provide extensive genealogical details about Shemaiah, his mention as the father of Urijah situates him within the lineage of those who were called to serve God through prophetic ministry. The reference to Kiriath-jearim as Urijah's hometown may suggest Shemaiah's familial roots in this region, which was historically significant in the tribal allotment of Judah.

Conclusion

The brief mention of Shemaiah in the biblical narrative serves as a backdrop to the account of his son, Urijah, whose prophetic ministry and subsequent martyrdom reflect the challenges faced by God's prophets. Through this account, the faithfulness of God's messengers and the resistance they encountered are vividly illustrated, offering insights into the spiritual climate of Judah during the reign of King Jehoiakim.Jeremiah 26:20
And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the LORD, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjathjearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah.
Nave's Topical Index

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... that rehabilitation of Israel, of which his father had but ... as the production of an
anonymous Judsean prophet, and the ... xiv.1-18; xv.29, 30), and Shemaiah in the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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