Nehelamites נֶחֱלָמִי
Hometown of the false prophet Shemaiah
Who is Nehelamites in the Bible?
The Nehelamites were followers or residents associated with Nehelam, a town in Babylonia where the false prophet Shemaiah lived during the Jewish exile. Shemaiah sent letters to Jerusalem's priests and people, urging them to oppose the prophet Jeremiah and falsely promising a swift return from exile (Jer. 29:24, 31-32). Because of his deception and rebellion against God's true word through Jeremiah, the Lord pronounced severe judgment on Shemaiah, declaring he would have no descendants and would not live to see the restoration God promised to His people. The Nehelamites represent a cautionary example in Scripture of those who follow false prophets and resist God's authentic messengers.
Biography
Nehelam is mentioned in the book of Jeremiah as the hometown of Shemaiah, a false prophet living among the exiles in Babylon (Jer.29.24,31-32). Shemaiah sent letters to the people and priests in Jerusalem, urging them to oppose the prophet Jeremiah. He falsely prophesied of a quick return from exile. Jeremiah pronounced judgment on Shemaiah, declaring that he would have no descendants and would not see the good that God would do for His people. The exact location of Nehelam is unknown, but it was likely a village in Babylonia where some of the Jewish exiles settled.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJeremiah 3 verses
- Jeremiah 29:24
"You are to tell Shemaiah the Nehelamite that"
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 29:31
"“Send a message telling all the exiles 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,"
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 29:32
"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 bring to My people, declares the LORD, for he has preached rebellion against the LORD.’”"
Study Jeremiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | נֶחֱלָמִי |