Shamlai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is identified as one of the individuals who opposed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem during the time of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The context of Shamlai's mention is significant in understanding the challenges faced by the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon to restore their homeland and religious practices.

Biblical Reference:

Shamlai is mentioned in Ezra 4:9-10, where he is listed among the officials who wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes of Persia, expressing their opposition to the reconstruction efforts in Jerusalem. The passage reads:

"From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech, and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, and the other peoples whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates." (Ezra 4:9-10)

Historical and Cultural Context:

The opposition to the rebuilding of the temple was rooted in political and social tensions. The returning Jewish exiles were seen as a threat to the established order and influence of the local populations, including the Samaritans and other groups settled in the region by the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. Shamlai, along with other officials, sought to maintain their power and prevent the resurgence of a strong Jewish presence in Jerusalem.

The letter to King Artaxerxes was part of a broader strategy to halt the reconstruction by appealing to the king's authority and warning of potential rebellion and loss of revenue. This opposition was temporarily successful, as the king ordered the cessation of the building efforts until further notice.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the opposition led by figures like Shamlai can be seen as part of the broader narrative of spiritual warfare and the challenges faced by God's people in fulfilling His purposes. The resistance to the rebuilding of the temple highlights the perseverance and faith required by the Jewish exiles to overcome external obstacles and remain committed to their covenant with God.

The eventual resumption and completion of the temple, despite the opposition, underscores the theme of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and reliance on God's guidance in the face of adversity.

Lessons for Today:

The account of Shamlai and the opposition to the temple rebuilding offers valuable lessons for contemporary believers. It emphasizes the reality of opposition in the pursuit of God's work and the necessity of steadfastness and prayer. It also encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, knowing that His purposes will ultimately prevail despite human resistance.SHAMLAI

sham'-la-i, sham'-li.

See SALMAI.

8073. Shamlay -- Shalmai
... Word Origin scribal error for Salmay, qv. Shalmai For Salmay; Shamlai, one of the
Nethinim -- Shalmai (from the margin). see HEBREW Salmay. 8072, 8073. ...
/hebrew/8073.htm - 5kShamlai (1 Occurrence)
...SHAMLAI. sham'-la-i, sham'-li. ...Shamlai (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:46 the children of
Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan, (WEB ASV BBE DBY RSV). ...
/s/shamlai.htm - 6k

Salmai (2 Occurrences)
... in Nehemiah 7:48 is "Shalmai" = Ezra 2:46); the Revised Version (British and American)
"Salmai"): The eponym of a family of Nethinim, called "Shamlai" in Ezra 2 ...
/s/salmai.htm - 7k

Shamir (4 Occurrences)

/s/shamir.htm - 9k

Shamma (1 Occurrence)

/s/shamma.htm - 6k

Subai
... su'-ba-i, su'-bi (Subaei): Name of a family of temple-servants who returned with
Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:30) = "Shamlai" of Ezra 2:46; "Salmai" of Nehemiah 7:48 ...
/s/subai.htm - 6k

Shalmai (2 Occurrences)
... SHALMAI. shal'-mi, shal'-ma-i: the King James Version form in Ezra 2:46 for "Shamlai";
Nehemiah 7:48 "Salmai" (which see). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/shalmai.htm - 7k

Hagab (1 Occurrence)
... Hagab (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:46 the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai,
the children of Hanan, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/hagab.htm - 7k

Hanan (19 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:46 the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah ...
/h/hanan.htm - 14k

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