Bible Person

Shemaiah

Meaning: that hears or obeys the Lord · Male · 5 cross references

This Shemaiah entry refers to the prophet who speaks in Rehoboam's reign, not the many later Levites and returnees of the same name. He appears at critical moments to restrain civil war and interpret Judah's troubles. First appears in 1 Kgs 12:22.1

AI summary: This Shemaiah matters because the cross references present him as a prophetic voice whose word directly shapes the course of the kingdom after the split. He prevents immediate war between Judah and the northern tribes and later explains Shishak's invasion in moral terms. His ministry shows how prophetic speech can redirect national action and interpretation. Taken together, the material presents this Shemaiah as a prophet whose timely words guide Judah in the early divided monarchy.1

Central Figure

Shemaiah

Meaning: that hears or obeys the Lord

A prophet in the reign of Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:22-24).