Semachiah סְמַכְיָהוּ

Male Tribe of Levi H5565 1 book

Son of Shemaiah, gatekeeper of the temple

Who is Semachiah in the Bible?

Semachiah was a son of Shemaiah and served as a gatekeeper of the temple during King David's reign, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 26:7. He came from a family of gatekeepers descended from Obed-Edom, who had been entrusted with guarding the temple entrances. Along with his brothers, Semachiah was described as a capable and strong man assigned to protect the sacred temple and ensure that only authorized individuals entered its premises. The gatekeepers like Semachiah played a vital role in maintaining both the security and sanctity of God's temple during Israel's monarchy.

Biography

Semachiah is mentioned in 1Ch.26.7 as one of the sons of Shemaiah, who was a descendant of Obed-Edom. Obed-Edom and his descendants were entrusted with the responsibility of serving as gatekeepers in the temple during the reign of King David. Semachiah, along with his brothers, who were described as capable men with strength for the service, were assigned the task of guarding the temple entrances. The gatekeepers played a crucial role in maintaining the sanctity and security of the temple. They ensured that only authorized individuals entered the sacred premises and that the temple remained protected from any potential threats.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
1 Chronicles 1 verse
  • 1 Chronicles 26:7

    "Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were Elihu and Semachiah, also capable men."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew סְמַכְיָהוּ
Encyclopedia Article

Semachiah

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

r.31.13">2Ch 31:13 (see HPN, 291, 295).

(1) (Codex Alexandrinus Semei; Codex Vaticanus Semeei): One of those who put away their "strange wives" (1 Esdras 9:33) = "Shimei" "of the sons of Hashum" in Ezr 10:33</re