The term "Nehelamite" is primarily associated with Shemaiah, a false prophet mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah. The name "Nehelamite" is thought to be derived from a place or possibly a family name, though its exact origin remains uncertain. Shemaiah the Nehelamite is a significant figure due to his opposition to the prophet Jeremiah during the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Context

Shemaiah the Nehelamite appears in the context of the Babylonian exile, a period when the Kingdom of Judah was under Babylonian control, and many Jews were taken captive to Babylon. This was a time of great turmoil and uncertainty for the Jewish people, and various prophets arose, some true and others false, claiming to speak on behalf of God.

Conflict with Jeremiah

The primary biblical account of Shemaiah the Nehelamite is found in Jeremiah 29. In this chapter, Jeremiah sends a letter to the exiles in Babylon, instructing them to settle down, build houses, and seek the welfare of the city where they are held captive, as their exile would last seventy years (Jeremiah 29:4-7). Jeremiah's message was one of hope and future restoration, but it also called for patience and submission to God's plan.

Shemaiah, however, opposed Jeremiah's message. He sent letters to the people in Jerusalem, including the priest Zephaniah, urging them to take action against Jeremiah. Shemaiah accused Jeremiah of being a madman and sought to have him silenced. In Jeremiah 29:24-28 , it is recorded:

"To Shemaiah the Nehelamite you are to say: 'This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Because you have sent letters in your own name to all the people in Jerusalem, to Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying: 'The LORD has appointed you priest in place of Jehoiada, to be the chief officer in the house of the LORD, responsible for any madman who acts like a prophet. You must put him in stocks and neck irons. So now, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth, who poses as a prophet among you? For he has sent to us in Babylon, claiming: It will be a long time. Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat their produce.'"

Divine Judgment

God's response to Shemaiah's actions is swift and decisive. Through Jeremiah, the Lord pronounces judgment on Shemaiah and his descendants. In Jeremiah 29:31-32 , the Lord declares:

"Send a message to all the exiles, saying: 'This is what the LORD says concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, though I did not send him, and has made you trust in a lie, this is what the LORD says: I will surely punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants. He will have no one left among this people, nor will he see the good that I will do for My people,' declares the LORD, 'because he has preached rebellion against Me.'"

Theological Implications

The account of Shemaiah the Nehelamite serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of false prophecy and rebellion against God's ordained messengers. It underscores the importance of discerning true prophetic voices and adhering to God's revealed will, even when it challenges personal desires or expectations. The narrative also highlights God's sovereignty and His commitment to fulfilling His promises, despite human opposition.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

While the specific identity and background of the Nehelamite remain obscure, the account reflects the broader historical and cultural tensions of the time. The Jewish exiles faced pressure to conform to various prophetic voices, and the presence of false prophets like Shemaiah illustrates the spiritual challenges within the community. The conflict between Shemaiah and Jeremiah exemplifies the struggle between truth and deception, a theme prevalent throughout the biblical narrative.The Nehelamite

the designation of a man named Shemaiah, a false prophet, who went with the captivity to Babylon. (Jeremiah 29:24,31,32) The name is no doubt formed from that either of Shemaiah's native place or the progenitor of his family which of the two is uncertain.

5161. Nechelami -- descriptive title for a false prophet
... Nechelami. 5162 . descriptive title for a false prophet. Transliteration: Nechelami
Phonetic Spelling: (nekh-el-aw-mee') Short Definition: Nehelamite. ... Nehelamite ...
/hebrew/5161.htm - 6kThe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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