Shemaiah, Simeonite of the Divided Monarchy
Who was Shemaiah in the Bible?
A member of the tribe of Simeon and the father of Shimri, identified in the post-conquest genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
This is one of 26 people named Shemaiah in the Bible. See all 26 →
Shemaiah was a descendant of Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. He is specifically noted in the biblical record as the father of Shimri and the grandfather of Jedaiah. His lineage appears within a larger genealogical section in 1 Chronicles 4, which details the families and tribal movements of the Simeonites during the period of the Divided Monarchy.
While Shemaiah himself is mentioned only in passing, his inclusion serves to establish the legitimacy and continuity of the Simeonite clans. The records in which he appears focus on the tribal expansion and the military successes of the Simeonites as they sought pasture for their flocks, highlighting the enduring presence of this tribe within the southern territories of Israel and Judah.
Background and Family
Shemaiah, a member of the tribe of Simeon, lived during the era of the Divided Monarchy. The genealogical record provided in 1 Chronicles 4:37 places him within a specific line of descent: he was the son of an unnamed father (the text focuses on his role as a progenitor), the father of Shimri, and the great-great-grandfather of Ziza, a prominent leader in the tribe.
The tribe of Simeon is unique in biblical history for its geographical placement within the territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1). By the time of the Divided Monarchy, the Simeonites remained a distinct group, though they were often closely associated with the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Shemaiah represents one of the ancestral links in a family line that eventually produced leaders who expanded Simeonite influence.
Major Life Events
The biblical text does not record specific deeds or speeches attributed to Shemaiah. His primary significance in the narrative of 1 Chronicles is his role as a link in the chain of Simeonite ancestry. The genealogical lists in 1 Chronicles were compiled to emphasize the survival and heritage of the tribes of Israel, particularly those who maintained their identity through the political upheavals of the Divided Monarchy and the subsequent Babylonian exile.
The specific context of his mention involves the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah (c. 715–686 BC). While Shemaiah lived prior to this time, his descendants are credited with a significant military campaign against the Hamites and the Meunites in the valley of Gedor. This expansion was necessary to find pasture for their flocks, demonstrating that Shemaiah’s family line remained active and influential long after his death.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Shemaiah is explicitly identified as the father of Shimri. Through this connection, he is the ancestor of a line of Simeonite chiefs, including Ziza son of Shiphi. These men are described as "leaders in their clans" whose families grew greatly (1 Chronicles 4:38). Shemaiah’s place in this list establishes the patriarchal authority from which these later leaders derived their status within the tribal structure.
Spiritual Significance
Although the record of Shemaiah is brief, his inclusion in the Holy Scriptures underscores a recurring biblical theme: the importance of the individual within the communal history of God's people. In the context of the Divided Monarchy, when the national identity of Israel was fractured between the north and the south, Shemaiah’s lineage represents the preservation of the tribal heritage of Simeon.
Theological scholars often note that these genealogies serve as a testament to God’s faithfulness to His covenant with the patriarchs. By naming men like Shemaiah, the Chronicler reminds the reader that every generation, regardless of how quietly they lived, contributed to the ongoing story of the nation of Israel and the fulfillment of the divine promise to multiply the descendants of Abraham.
Shemaiah serves as a vital link in the Simeonite genealogy, ensuring the preservation of tribal identity during the Divided Monarchy. His presence in the record of 1 Chronicles 4 validates the heritage of the Simeonite leaders who successfully expanded their territory under the blessing of the Lord.
Theologically, Shemaiah represents the 'hidden' figures of the Bible—those whose names are preserved not for their individual fame, but for their role in the continuity of the people of God. He stands as a reminder that the history of Israel is composed of many such individuals whose lives formed the foundation for the leaders who followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tribe did Shemaiah belong to?
Shemaiah was a member of the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Who was Shemaiah's son?
According to 1 Chronicles 4:37, Shemaiah was the father of Shimri.
In what time period did Shemaiah live?
He lived during the period of the Divided Monarchy, as his descendants were active during the reign of King Hezekiah.
What is the primary biblical source for Shemaiah?
The only mention of this specific Shemaiah is found in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 4:37.
Family & Relationships
Shemaiah, Simeonite of the Divided MonarchyThis pageChildren
Shimri, Simeonite of the Divided MonarchySon1 Chronicles 4:37Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Son · 1 Chronicles 4:37
Shimri was a member of the tribe of Simeon and a crucial link in the genealogical record of the Simeonite leaders who expanded their territory during the Divided Monarchy.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 1 Chronicles 4:371 versesTribal member / PatriarchSimeon
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 4:37
and Ziza son of Shiphi (son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah).
Others Named Shemaiah
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Shemaiah, Levite of the Post-Exilic Period1 Chronicles 9:14
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Shemaiah, Levite of the Josiah Passover2 Chronicles 35:9
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Shemaiah, Leader of the ReturnEzra 8:16
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Shemaiah, Son of DelaiahNehemiah 6:10
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Shemaiah, Chief of the Elizaphanites1 Chronicles 15:8
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Shemaiah, Descendant of HarimEzra 10:31
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Shemaiah, Descendant of Joel1 Chronicles 5:4
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Shemaiah, Descendant of Jeduthun1 Chronicles 9:16
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Shemaiah, Guard of the East GateNehemiah 3:29
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Shemaiah, Father of Uriah the ProphetJeremiah 26:20
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Shemaiah the NehelamiteJeremiah 29:24
A false prophet among the Judean exiles in Babylon who opposed Jeremiah and was condemned by God for preaching rebellion.
Shemaiah, Levite of the Hezekian Reforms2 Chronicles 31:15
A faithful Levite assistant who managed the distribution of consecrated offerings to priestly families during the religious reforms of King Hezekiah.
Shemaiah, Son of Obed-edom1 Chronicles 26:4
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Shemaiah, Priest of the ReturnNehemiah 10:8
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Shemaiah, Descendant of David1 Chronicles 3:22
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Shemaiah, Levite of the Jeduthunites2 Chronicles 29:14
A Levite descendant of Jeduthun who participated in the sanctification of the temple during the reforms of King Hezekiah.
Shemaiah, Father of DelaiahJeremiah 36:12
A prominent man of the late Divided Monarchy whose son served as a high-ranking official in the court of King Jehoiakim of Judah.
Shemaiah, Father of Jonathan the PriestNehemiah 12:35
A Levite priest of the post-exilic period and the father of Jonathan, serving as a vital link in the lineage of the Asaphite singers during the restoration of Jerusalem.
Shemaiah, Musician of the Post-Exilic PeriodNehemiah 12:36
A Levite musician and associate of Ezra who participated in the joyful dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem.
Shemaiah, Post-Exilic SingerNehemiah 12:42
A singer and member of the musical ensembles that participated in the formal dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah.
Shemaiah, Levite of the Teaching Mission2 Chronicles 17:8
A Levite commissioned by King Jehoshaphat to travel throughout the cities of Judah and teach the Book of the Law to the people.
Shemaiah, Levite Scribe of the United Monarchy1 Chronicles 24:6
A Levite scribe during the United Monarchy responsible for recording the official divisions and assignments of the priesthood under the administration of King David.
Shemaiah, Descendant of AdonikamEzra 8:13
A descendant of Adonikam who was among the third group of his family to return from the Babylonian exile under the leadership of Ezra.
Shemaiah the Prophet of the United Monarchy1 Kings 12:22
A prophet during the reign of Rehoboam who prevented a civil war and later prophesied during the invasion of Pharaoh Shishak.