Meshelemiah מְשֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ

Male Tribe of Levi H4920 1 book

A Levite gatekeeper in the time of David.

Who is Meshelemiah in the Bible?

Meshelemiah was a Levite gatekeeper who served during King David's reign and is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:21 and 26:1-14. Also known as Shelemiah, he was the son of Kore from the clan of Korah and had seven sons named Zechariah, Jediael, Zebadiah, Jathniel, Elam, Jehohanan, and Eliehoenai, all of whom also served as gatekeepers. He was specifically assigned to guard the East Gate of the tabernacle, and he and his relatives comprised a substantial group of 62 capable gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26:9). Meshelemiah's role highlights the organized religious leadership structure during David's time and the important function of Levites in maintaining the sacred spaces of Israel's worship.

Biography

Meshelemiah, also known as Shelemiah, was a Levite gatekeeper who served during the reign of King David. He was the son of Kore, from the clan of Korah (1Ch.9.21; 26.1,14). Meshelemiah had seven sons: Zechariah, Jediael, Zebadiah, Jathniel, Elam, Jehohanan, and Eliehoenai (1Ch.26.2). He and his sons were assigned to guard the gates of the tabernacle (1Ch.26.1). Meshelemiah was specifically in charge of the East Gate (1Ch.26.14). His sons and relatives, who were capable men, totaled 62 individuals serving as gatekeepers (1Ch.26.9).

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
1 Chronicles 5 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 9:21

    "Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting."

  • 1 Chronicles 26:1

    "These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph."

  • 1 Chronicles 26:2

    "Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,"

  • 1 Chronicles 26:9

    "Meshelemiah also had sons and brothers who were capable men—18 in all."

  • 1 Chronicles 26:14

    "The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew מְשֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ
Named Hebrew שֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ
Encyclopedia Article

Meshelemiah

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

1Chr.26.2">2,9). In the latter passage Meshelemiah, with a final "-u", is credited with "sons and brethren, valiant men, 18." He is the "Shelemiah" of 1Ch 26:14, the "Shallum" of 1Ch 9:17,19,31, and the "Meshullam" of Ne 12:25.

me-shez'-a-bel (meshezebhe'el, "God a deliverer"; the King James Version Meshezabeel, me-shez'-a-bel):

(1) A priest, ancestor of Meshullam, who assisted Nehemiah in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem (<ref osis