Topical Encyclopedia Semeias is a biblical figure whose name appears in various contexts within the Old Testament. The name Semeias is a variant of the Hebrew name Shemaiah, which means "heard by the Lord." This entry will explore the different individuals named Semeias and their roles in biblical history.1. Semeias, the Levite: One of the Levites mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Levi. In 1 Chronicles 15:8, Semeias is listed among the Levites whom King David appointed to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This event was significant as it marked the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, establishing it as the spiritual heart of Israel. The Levites, including Semeias, played a crucial role in the religious life of the nation, serving as priests and caretakers of the sacred rituals. 2. Semeias, the Prophet: Another notable figure named Semeias is the prophet who warned King Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah against fighting their brethren in Israel. 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 word is from Me.'' So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD." Semeias' role as a prophet was pivotal in preventing a civil war between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, demonstrating the power of divine intervention and guidance. 3. Semeias, the Scribe: In the time of King Josiah, Semeias is mentioned as one of the scribes who assisted in the religious reforms that Josiah implemented. These reforms included the restoration of the Temple and the re-establishment of the covenant between God and His people. The scribes, including Semeias, were instrumental in rediscovering the Book of the Law and ensuring its teachings were communicated to the people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:13. 4. Semeias, the Ancestor of Returnees: In the post-exilic period, a Semeias is listed among the ancestors of those who returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel. Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7 mention the descendants of Semeias as part of the group that helped rebuild Jerusalem and restore the Jewish community. This return was a fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land, and the descendants of Semeias played a role in this significant event in Jewish history. 5. Semeias, the Opponent of Nehemiah: In the book of Nehemiah, a Semeias is mentioned as one who opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 6:10-13 recounts: "Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said: '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.' But I replied, 'Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!' I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him." This Semeias attempted to deceive Nehemiah, but Nehemiah's discernment and faithfulness to God's mission thwarted the plan. In summary, the name Semeias is associated with various individuals throughout the Old Testament, each playing distinct roles in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history. Whether as a Levite, prophet, scribe, ancestor, or opponent, the figures named Semeias highlight the diverse ways in which God interacted with His people and guided them according to His divine purposes. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEMEIASse-me-i'-as (Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Alexandrinus Semeias; Codex Vaticanus Semeeias; the King James Version Semei): An ancestor of Mordecai (Additions to Esther 11:2) = "Shimei" (Esther 2:5). Thesaurus Semeias... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEMEIAS. se-me-i'-as (Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Alexandrinus Semeias; Codex Vaticanus Semeeias; the ... /s/semeias.htm - 6k Semei (1 Occurrence) Shemaiah (40 Occurrences) Semein (1 Occurrence) Shimei (43 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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