Gemari'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He is identified as the son of Shaphan, a scribe during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. Shaphan played a significant role in the religious reforms of Josiah, and his family continued to hold influential positions in the kingdom.

Role and Significance

Gemari'ah is noted for his involvement in the events surrounding the prophet Jeremiah's ministry. He is mentioned in the context of the public reading of Jeremiah's scroll, which contained prophecies of impending judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem due to their persistent disobedience to God.

Biblical Account

In Jeremiah 36, during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, God instructed Jeremiah to write down all the words He had spoken against Israel, Judah, and the nations. Jeremiah dictated these words to Baruch, his scribe, who then wrote them on a scroll. Baruch was instructed to read the scroll in the Temple on a day of fasting, hoping that the people would repent upon hearing the words of the Lord.

Gemari'ah's involvement is highlighted when Baruch reads the scroll in the chamber of Gemari'ah, the son of Shaphan, in the upper court at the entry of the New Gate of the Lord's house. This location suggests that Gemari'ah held a position of authority and influence, as his chamber was used for such a significant public reading.

Jeremiah 36:10 : "From the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, which was in the upper courtyard at the entrance of the New Gate of the LORD’s house, Baruch read the words of Jeremiah from the scroll in the hearing of all the people."

When Micaiah, the son of Gemari'ah, heard the words of the scroll, he went down to the king's house, into the scribe's chamber, and reported all the words to the officials. This action indicates that Gemari'ah's family was deeply involved in the political and religious life of Judah.

Response to the Prophecy

The officials, upon hearing the words, sent Jehudi to bring Baruch and the scroll to them. After hearing the words themselves, they decided to inform King Jehoiakim. However, the king's response was one of disdain and rejection. As Jehudi read the scroll to the king, he cut it with a scribe's knife and threw it into the fire, showing his contempt for the prophetic message.

Despite the king's actions, the officials, including Gemari'ah, showed a measure of respect and fear for the word of the Lord. They urged Baruch and Jeremiah to hide, indicating their awareness of the seriousness of the prophecy and the potential danger from the king.

Legacy

Gemari'ah's role in this narrative underscores the tension between the prophetic message of Jeremiah and the political leadership of Judah. His chamber served as a place where the word of God was proclaimed, and his family's involvement highlights the complex interplay between faithfulness to God's word and the political realities of the time.

Gemari'ah's account is a reminder of the importance of heeding God's word and the courage required to stand for truth in the face of opposition. His legacy is preserved in the biblical record as a testament to the enduring power of God's prophetic message, even when met with resistance and rejection.Gemari'ah (5 Occurrences)

Jeremiah 29:3
By the hand of Eleasah son of Shaphan, and Gemariah son of Hilkijah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon -- to Babylon, saying,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:10
and Baruch readeth in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of Jehovah, in the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the opening of the new gate of the house of Jehovah, in the ears of all the people.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:11
And Michaiah son of Gemariah, son of Shaphan, heareth all the words of Jehovah from off the book,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:12
and he goeth down 'to' the house of the king, unto the chamber of the scribe, and lo, there are all the heads sitting: Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan son of Acbor, and Gemariah son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the heads.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:25
And also Elnathan, and Delaiah, and Gemariah have interceded with the king not to burn the roll, and he hath not hearkened unto them.
(See RSV)

Gemari'ah (5 Occurrences)
Gemari'ah. Gemariah, Gemari'ah. Gematria . Multi-Version Concordance
Gemari'ah (5 Occurrences). Jeremiah 29:3 By the hand of Eleasah ...
/g/gemari'ah.htm - 7k

Gemariah (5 Occurrences)

/g/gemariah.htm - 9k

Gematria
Gematria. Gemari'ah, Gematria. Gems . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
ge-ma'-tri-a. See NUMBERS; GAMES. Gemari'ah, Gematria. Gems . Reference Bible.
/g/gematria.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus