Shemaiah שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ
Levite who taught the Law during Jehoshaphat's reign
Who is Shemaiah in the Bible?
Shemaiah was a Levite who served during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah as a teacher of God's Law. According to 2 Chronicles 17:8, Jehoshaphat commissioned Shemaiah and other Levites and priests to travel throughout the cities of Judah and teach the Book of the Law to the people. This educational mission was part of Jehoshaphat's broader religious reforms aimed at strengthening the spiritual life of the nation. Shemaiah's role demonstrates the importance the biblical narrative places on spreading knowledge of God's commandments and the educational responsibilities of the Levite class in ancient Judah.
Biography
Shemaiah was a Levite who lived during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. According to 2Ch.17.8, Jehoshaphat sent Levites and priests throughout the cities of Judah to teach the Book of the Law to the people. Shemaiah was one of the Levites chosen for this mission, along with Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah. This educational initiative was part of Jehoshaphat's reforms to strengthen the spiritual life of the nation and ensure that the people understood and followed the commandments of God.
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 17:8
"accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ |