Topical Encyclopedia Selemias is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Book of Jeremiah. The name Selemias, also spelled Shelemiah in some translations, is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has repaid" or "God is peace." This entry will explore the occurrences and significance of Selemias in the biblical narrative.Biblical References: 1. Selemias, the Father of Jehucal: In the Book of Jeremiah, Selemias is identified as the father of Jehucal, an official in the court of King Zedekiah of Judah. Jehucal, along with another official, Zephaniah, was sent by King Zedekiah to the prophet Jeremiah to seek divine guidance during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. This is recorded in Jeremiah 37:3 : "Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah to Jeremiah the prophet with this message: 'Please pray to the LORD our God for us.'" 2. Selemias, the Father of Irijah: Another mention of Selemias is found in Jeremiah 37:13, where he is noted as the father of Irijah, a captain of the guard. Irijah arrested the prophet Jeremiah on charges of desertion to the Babylonians, an accusation that Jeremiah denied. The passage reads: "But when he reached the Benjamin Gate, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, was there. He arrested Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 'You are deserting to the Chaldeans!'" Historical and Theological Context: Selemias lived during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by political instability and the looming threat of Babylonian conquest. His sons, Jehucal and Irijah, were involved in significant events during the reign of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. The actions of Jehucal and Irijah reflect the tension and desperation of the Judean leadership as they faced the impending destruction of Jerusalem. From a theological perspective, the narrative involving Selemias and his sons highlights the themes of divine judgment and prophetic truth. Jeremiah, as a prophet, consistently warned the people of Judah about the consequences of their disobedience to God. The interactions between Jeremiah and the sons of Selemias underscore the resistance and disbelief that Jeremiah faced, even from those in positions of authority. Significance: The mention of Selemias in the Book of Jeremiah, though brief, serves to provide a familial and social context for the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem. His sons' involvement in the narrative illustrates the broader societal dynamics at play during this critical juncture in Israel's history. The accounts of Jehucal and Irijah, both sons of Selemias, contribute to the understanding of the challenges faced by Jeremiah as he delivered God's message to a rebellious nation. In summary, Selemias is a figure whose legacy is primarily seen through the actions of his sons, Jehucal and Irijah, during a pivotal moment in biblical history. His mention in the scriptures serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between faith, leadership, and divine prophecy in the narrative of the Old Testament. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SELEMIASsel-e-mi'-as (Selemias): One of those who put away their "strange wives" (1 Esdras 9:34) = "Shelemiah". in Ezra 10:39, and probably identical with "Selemia" in 2 Esdras 14:24. Library Aristeas Philokratei Thesaurus Selemias... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SELEMIAS. sel-e-mi'-as (Selemias): One of those who put away their "strange wives" (1 Esdras 9:34) = "Shelemiah". ... /s/selemias.htm - 6k Selemia Shelemiah (10 Occurrences) Seleuceia (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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