Maaseiah son of Shallum, Doorkeeper
A Levite official and doorkeeper of the Temple in Jerusalem during the final years of the Divided Monarchy.
Maaseiah, the son of Shallum, was a significant cultic official serving in the Temple of Jerusalem during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. His primary identification in the biblical text is that of a "doorkeeper," a position of considerable trust and authority within the Levitical hierarchy. This role involved the guardianship of the sacred precincts, ensuring the ritual purity and physical security of the Temple during a period of intense political and spiritual turmoil in the Kingdom of Judah.
He is mentioned exclusively in the Book of Jeremiah, appearing in the context of the prophet's encounter with the Rechabites. Maaseiah's significance is highlighted by the location of his personal chamber within the Temple complex, which served as a landmark during one of Jeremiah's symbolic prophetic actions during the reign of King Jehoiakim.
Background and Family
Maaseiah lived during the era of the Divided Monarchy, specifically during the twilight years of the Kingdom of Judah. He is identified as the son of Shallum. The office of "doorkeeper" mentioned in Jeremiah 35:4 was not a lowly position but was one of the senior administrative roles in the Temple structure. As recorded in other sections of the Divided Monarchy history (cf. 2 Kings 25:18), there were typically three keepers of the threshold who held rank just below the High Priest and the second priest. This lineage and office suggest Maaseiah belonged to a family of Levites dedicated to the maintenance and sanctity of the house of the LORD.
Major Life Events
The single scriptural mention of Maaseiah occurs during the reign of Jehoiakim (c. 609–598 BC). In Jeremiah 35, the prophet is commanded by God to bring the Rechabite community into the Temple to test their fidelity to their ancestral vows. Jeremiah leads them into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, which is geographically described in relation to Maaseiah’s own quarters.
I brought them into the house of the LORD, to a chamber occupied by the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah, a man of God. This room was near the chamber of the officials, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah son of Shallum the doorkeeper. (Jeremiah 35:4)
This description indicates that Maaseiah was a man of sufficient standing to have a designated room in the inner courts of the Temple. His chamber was located beneath the room of the "officials" (princes or secular administrators), placing him at the heart of the intersection between religious and civil authority in Jerusalem.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Maaseiah is linked primarily to his father, Shallum, and spatially to the "sons of Hanan" and the various Judean officials. While the text does not record a direct dialogue between Maaseiah and the prophet Jeremiah, his presence is implied as the gatekeeper of the very house where Jeremiah performed his public ministry. His role as a doorkeeper would have necessitated regular interaction with both the priesthood and the common people entering the Temple for worship.
Spiritual Significance
Though his personal actions are not detailed, Maaseiah’s title as "doorkeeper" carries deep spiritual resonance in the context of the Divided Monarchy. The doorkeepers were responsible for preventing the defilement of the Temple, a task that became increasingly difficult as Judah drifted toward idolatry. Maaseiah represents the formal structure of the Davidic religious establishment that remained in place until the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. His inclusion in the text serves to ground Jeremiah’s narrative in the physical reality of the Temple’s architecture, providing a precise historical and topographical record of the site before its ruin.
Spiritual Significance
Maaseiah son of Shallum represents the functional, organized priesthood that maintained the Temple during the Babylonian crisis. His role as doorkeeper underscores the biblical theme of stewardship and the preservation of sacred space. The mention of his specific chamber highlights the complexity of the Temple's administrative offices during the Divided Monarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the role of a doorkeeper in the Temple?
A doorkeeper (or threshold keeper) was a high-ranking Levitical official responsible for guarding Temple entrances, managing offerings, and maintaining the security and sanctity of the sanctuary.
In which book of the Bible is this Maaseiah mentioned?
He is mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah, specifically in chapter 35, verse 4.
When did Maaseiah live?
He lived during the Divided Monarchy, specifically during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, around the time of King Jehoiakim's reign.
Who was Maaseiah's father?
According to Jeremiah 35:4, his father was Shallum.
Where was Maaseiah’s chamber located?
His chamber was in the Temple of the LORD, located below the chamber of the officials and near the chamber of the sons of Hanan.
Connected Figures
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Mentions by Book
- Jeremiah1
Family & Relationships
Parent
Jeremiah 35:4
Others Named Maaseiah son of Shallum
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