Shemaiah שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ
Scribe during Jehoiakim's reign
Who is Shemaiah in the Bible?
Shemaiah was a scribe who served in the chamber of Elishama during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah (Jer. 36:12). He was present when officials learned about the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies that had been read by Baruch, and he participated in the decision to have the scroll retrieved and read before them. This event proved significant because it ultimately led to King Jehoiakim burning the scroll and ordering the arrest of both Jeremiah and Baruch, marking a turning point in the prophet's persecution. Though little else is revealed about Shemaiah's personal role or beliefs, his position in the royal court suggests he held administrative importance in Judah's final years before the Babylonian exile.
Biography
Shemaiah is mentioned in Jer.36.12 as one of the officials present in the chamber of Elishama the scribe during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah. When Micaiah reported to the officials about the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies, which had been read by Baruch, Shemaiah was among those who listened to the report. The officials then sent Jehudi to retrieve the scroll from Baruch and read it in their presence. This event led to King Jehoiakim burning the scroll and ordering the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch. Shemaiah's presence in the chamber suggests that he held a position of some importance within the royal court, although his specific role is not elaborated upon in the text.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJeremiah 1 verse
- Jeremiah 36:12
"he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ |