Shemaiah, Descendant of David
A member of the Davidic royal line and the father of six sons listed in the post-exilic genealogies of Judah.
Shemaiah, a descendant of David, is a figure recorded in the genealogical records of the Tribe of Judah during the era of the Divided Monarchy and the subsequent transition into the exilic period. He is primarily identified through his lineage as the son of Shecaniah and as a key link in the continuing royal line of the House of David, maintaining the formal record of the Messianic lineage following the Babylonian captivity.
His inclusion in the biblical record serves a specific administrative and theological purpose: preserving the identity of the Davidic heirs. Though his personal biography is not expanded upon through narrative action, his presence in the Chronicles confirms the survival of the tribe of Judah’s leadership structure during one of the most tumultuous periods of Israelite history.
Background and Family
Shemaiah, the son of Shecaniah, appears within the detailed genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 3, a chapter dedicated to tracing the descendants of King David. As a member of the royal household, Shemaiah lived during the period where the Divided Monarchy had reached its zenith and subsequent decline into the Babylonian exile. The record in 1 Chronicles 3:22 situates him within the late Davidic line, specifically as a descendant of Zerubbabel, though the exact generational spacing reflects the complexity of the post-exilic preservation of records.
According to the text, Shemaiah was the father of six sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat. The mention of these six sons is significant in a genealogical context, as it highlights the fruitfulness of his branch of the Davidic family tree during a time when the political throne of Israel had been dismantled.
Major Life Events
Because Shemaiah is mentioned exclusively in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles 3:22, there are no recorded narrative events detailing his specific deeds, travels, or speeches. His life is defined by his place in the succession of the Davidic line. He represents the endurance of the Tribe of Judah’s nobility.
His primary 'event' in the biblical text is the fathering of the next generation of Davidic descendants. Among his sons, Hattush is particularly noteworthy in broader biblical history, appearing in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah as one who returned from Babylon with Ezra, further anchoring Shemaiah’s family in the era of the restoration of Jerusalem.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Shemaiah’s significance is entirely relational. He is the son of Shecaniah, a descendant of the royal house. His relationship to his sons—Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat—forms the bulk of the verse devoted to him. Through his son Hattush, Shemaiah is linked to the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of the Jewish community under Persian rule.
The six descendants of Shecaniah were Shemaiah and his sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat. (1 Chronicles 3:22)
Spiritual Significance
The spiritual significance of Shemaiah lies in the concept of the 'Remnant.' During the Divided Monarchy and the following Exile, the promise made to David in the Davidic Covenant—that a descendant of his would always sit on the throne—seemed physically broken. By recording names like Shemaiah and his six sons, the biblical chronicler demonstrates that God remained faithful to the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah. Shemaiah is a quiet but essential link in the chain of history that connects the ancient kings of Judah to the future hope of Israel.
Spiritual Significance
Shemaiah’s inclusion in the Davidic genealogy in 1 Chronicles 3 highlights the continuity of the Messianic line. During the transition from the Divided Monarchy to the post-exilic era, individuals like Shemaiah ensured that the legal and biological claim to the throne of David remained intact, fulfilling the requirements for the fulfillment of prophecy.
Theologically, Shemaiah represents the preservation of the Tribe of Judah. His six sons symbolize the expansion and survival of the royal family despite the loss of political sovereignty, serving as a testament to God's providence in maintaining the house of His servant David.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shemaiah's father?
Shemaiah was the son of Shecaniah, a descendant of the royal line of David.
How many sons did Shemaiah have according to 1 Chronicles?
He had six sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat. Note that the text mentions 'six' but lists five names directly, often interpreted as including Shemaiah himself or a sixth son implied in the family count.
Which tribe did Shemaiah belong to?
He belonged to the Tribe of Judah, specifically within the lineage of the kings.
In what book of the Bible is this Shemaiah mentioned?
He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:22.
Connected Figures
Shecaniah
Father
Hattush
Son
Igal
Son
Shaphat
Son
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Family & Relationships
Child
1 Chronicles 3:22
Child
1 Chronicles 3:22
Child
1 Chronicles 3:22
Child
1 Chronicles 3:22
Child
1 Chronicles 3:22
Parent
Shecaniah, Descendant of David
1 Chronicles 3:21
Others Named Shemaiah
Shemaiah, Descendant of HarimEzra 10:21
A descendant of Harim who was among those recorded during the post-exilic reforms led by Ezra.
Shemaiah, Levite of the Post-Exilic Period1 Chronicles 9:14
A descendant of Merari and son of Hasshub, Shemaiah was a prominent Levite who resettled in Jerusalem during the post-exilic restoration.
Shemaiah, Levite of the Josiah Passover2 Chronicles 35:9
A prominent Levite officer during the Divided Monarchy who provided thousands of livestock for King Josiah’s historic Passover celebration.
Shemaiah, Leader of the ReturnEzra 8:16
A Jewish leader summoned by Ezra during the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem to help secure ministers for the house of God.
Shemaiah, Son of DelaiahNehemiah 6:10
A false prophet and conspirator who attempted to intimidate Nehemiah into violating the sanctity of the Temple during the restoration of Jerusalem.
Shemaiah, Chief of the Elizaphanites1 Chronicles 15:8
A Levite leader and chief of the Elizaphanites who assisted King David in transporting the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.
Shemaiah, Descendant of HarimEzra 10:31
Shemaiah was a Judean returnee from the Babylonian exile who is listed among the descendants of Harim in the genealogical records of Ezra 10.
Shemaiah, Descendant of Joel1 Chronicles 5:4
A member of the tribe of Reuben and a descendant of Joel, Shemaiah was the father of Gog in the line of Reubenite tribal leadership.
Shemaiah, Descendant of Jeduthun1 Chronicles 9:16
A Levite of the post-exilic period and a descendant of Jeduthun, recognized as the father of Obadiah (also known as Abda) who returned to Jerusalem.
Shemaiah, Guard of the East GateNehemiah 3:29
A faithful Levite or official who served as the guard of the East Gate and assisted in repairing the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah.
Shemaiah, Father of Uriah the ProphetJeremiah 26:20
A resident of Kiriath-jearim during the Divided Monarchy and the father of the martyr-prophet Uriah.
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, Simeonite of the Divided Monarchy1 Chronicles 4:37
A member of the tribe of Simeon and the father of Shimri, identified in the post-conquest genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
Shemaiah, Son of Obed-edom1 Chronicles 26:4
The firstborn son of Obed-edom and a Levite gatekeeper known for his great strength and the leadership of his capable family during the United Monarchy.
Shemaiah, Priest of the ReturnNehemiah 10:8
A prominent priest who returned from the Babylonian exile and signed the renewed covenant under Nehemiah.
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 Divided Monarchy1 Chronicles 24:6
A Levite scribe during the Divided 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.