Shemaiah שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ
Levite gatekeeper during David's reign
Who is Shemaiah in the Bible?
Shemaiah was a Levite gatekeeper who served during King David's reign, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:4, 6-7 as the son of Obed-Edom, a Gittite blessed by God for housing the ark of the covenant. He came from a notably capable family, as his father's household produced 62 able men designated for temple service, with Shemaiah himself having sons including Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad who also served as gatekeepers. As a temple gatekeeper, Shemaiah would have been responsible for guarding the entrances to God's house and maintaining order within its precincts. His family's prominence in temple service reflects the spiritual importance of the gatekeeping office in Israel's worship and the blessing that came upon the house of Obed-Edom for their reverence toward the ark.
Biography
Shemaiah was a Levite who served as a gatekeeper during the reign of King David. He is mentioned in 1Ch.26.4,6-7 as one of the sons of Obed-Edom, a Gittite who was blessed by God for housing the ark of the covenant (2Sa.6.11). Shemaiah had brothers who were able men with strength for the service, totaling 62 from the family of Obed-Edom (1Ch.26.8). Among Shemaiah's sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, along with their brothers Elihu and Semachiah, who are described as able men. As gatekeepers, Shemaiah and his family would have been responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple and maintaining order within its precincts.
Family
Siblings
- Jehozabad Tribe of LeviSon of Obed-edomSon of Obed-edom, a gatekeeper for the ark.View full profile →
- Joah Tribe of LeviSon of Obed-edomA son of Obed-edom, a gatekeeper of the templeView full profile →
- Sachar Tribe of LeviSon of Obed-edomSon of Obed-edom, a Levitical gatekeeperView full profile →
- Nethanel MalePriest who blew trumpetsView full profile →
- Ammiel Tribe of LeviSon of Obed-edomLevite gatekeeper during David's reignView full profile →
- Issachar Tribe of LeviSon of Obed-edomSon of Obed-Edom, a gatekeeper in David's time.View full profile →
- Peullethai Tribe of LeviSon of Obed-edomSon of Obed-Edom, a temple gatekeeperView full profile →
Offspring
- Othni Tribe of LeviSon of ShemaiahSon of Shemaiah, gatekeeper of the arkView full profile →
- Rephael Tribe of LeviSon of ShemaiahA gatekeeper of the temple during David's reignView full profile →
- Obed MaleDavid's warriorIshmaelite warrior in David's armyView full profile →
- Elzabad MaleDavid's warriorA Gadite warrior who joined David at Ziklag.View full profile →
- Elihu Tribe of LeviSon of ShemaiahA gatekeeper of the temple, son of Shemaiah.View full profile →
- Semachiah Tribe of LeviSon of ShemaiahSon of Shemaiah, gatekeeper of the templeView full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 26:4
"And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,"
- 1 Chronicles 26:6
"Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men."
- 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 | שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ |