Shemaiah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Shemaiah in the Bible?
Shemaiah was a prophet and Levite who intervened to prevent King Rehoboam from waging war against the northern tribes and later prophesied during Shishak's invasion of Judah, appearing in various biblical texts in roles associated with priesthood, Levitical service, and prophecy.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Shemaiah's interventions clarifies the biblical narrative's emphasis on prophetic authority over royal military decisions and highlights the theological interpretation of historical military campaigns as divine judgments rather than purely political events.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Shemaiah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shemaiah clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.