Shemaiah שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ
Levite during Josiah's reign
Who is Shemaiah in the Bible?
Shemaiah was a Levite who served during the reign of King Josiah of Judah in the seventh century BC. According to 2 Chronicles 35:9, he is listed among the chief Levites, along with Conaniah, Nethanel, and Hashabiah, who generously contributed to the great Passover celebration that followed Josiah's religious reforms. These leaders donated 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls to support the festivities and ensure the Levites could properly conduct the worship. Shemaiah's prominent role and substantial contribution illustrate the Levites' active support for Josiah's efforts to restore authentic worship and religious practices in Judah after the rediscovery of the Book of the Law.
Biography
Shemaiah was a Levite who lived during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. In 2Ch.35.9, he is mentioned along with Conaniah, Nethanel, and Hashabiah as leaders of the Levites who gave 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls to the Levites for the Passover celebrations. This contribution was part of Josiah's great Passover observance, which followed his reforms and the rediscovery of the Book of the Law. Shemaiah's willingness to provide for the Passover offerings demonstrates the Levites' support for Josiah's efforts to restore proper worship and religious practices in Judah.
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 35:9
"Additionally, Conaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, contributed to the Levites 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ |