Shemaiah שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ
Levite scribe during David's reign
Who is Shemaiah in the Bible?
Shemaiah was a Levite scribe who served during King David's reign and is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 24:6. The son of Nethanel, he played a crucial administrative role by recording the divisions of the priests and their assigned duties for temple service. Working alongside Zadok the priest and other religious leaders, Shemaiah documented the allotment of responsibilities among the priestly families. His position highlights the vital importance of accurate record-keeping in organizing the temple's religious operations and demonstrates how scribal work supported the proper functioning of Israel's worship system.
Biography
Shemaiah was a Levite who served as a scribe during the reign of King David. In 1Ch.24.6, he is described as the son of Nethanel, a Levite. When David organized the divisions of the priests for their service in the temple, Shemaiah was the scribe who recorded the allotment of duties. He worked alongside Zadok the priest, Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and Levites. Shemaiah's role as a scribe demonstrates the importance of accurate record-keeping in the administration of the temple services.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 24:6
"The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from..."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ |