Topical Encyclopedia Nehel'am is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. The name Nehel'am is associated with Shemaiah, a false prophet who opposed the prophet Jeremiah during the time of the Babylonian exile. The name itself is often interpreted to mean "dreamer" or "from the valley," though its exact etymology remains uncertain.Biblical Context Nehel'am is referenced in Jeremiah 29:24-32, where Shemaiah the Nehelamite is addressed. Shemaiah had sent letters from Babylon to Jerusalem, challenging the authority of Jeremiah and attempting to undermine his prophetic message. In these letters, Shemaiah urged the priests and people to imprison Jeremiah, accusing him of being a false prophet. This act of defiance against God's chosen prophet highlights the tension between true and false prophecy during this tumultuous period in Israel's history. Jeremiah 29:24-32 In the Berean Standard Bible, the passage reads: > "To Shemaiah the Nehelamite you are to say: 'This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Because you have sent letters in your own name to all the people in Jerusalem, to Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying: The LORD has appointed you priest in place of Jehoiada, to be the chief officer in the house of the LORD, responsible for any madman who acts like a prophet. You must put him in stocks and neck irons. So now, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth, who poses as a prophet among you? For he has sent to us in Babylon, claiming: The exile will be long. Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat their produce.'" > "Zephaniah the priest, however, read this letter to Jeremiah the prophet. Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 'Send a message to all the exiles, saying: This is what the LORD says about Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, though I did not send him, and has made you trust in a lie, this is what the LORD says: I will surely punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants. He will have no one left among this people, nor will he see the good that I will do for My people,' declares the LORD, 'because he has preached rebellion against Me.'" Theological Significance The account of Shemaiah the Nehelamite serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of false prophecy and the importance of discerning God's true message. In the context of the Babylonian exile, the Israelites were vulnerable and desperate for hope, making them susceptible to misleading voices. Shemaiah's actions represent a direct challenge to God's authority and His chosen messenger, Jeremiah. From a theological perspective, this narrative underscores the sovereignty of God in guiding His people and the necessity of adhering to His word, even when it contradicts popular opinion or personal desires. The punishment pronounced upon Shemaiah and his descendants serves as a divine warning against leading others astray and rebelling against God's commands. Historical and Cultural Context During the time of Jeremiah, the Israelites were experiencing the trauma of exile, having been forcibly removed from their homeland by the Babylonians. This period was marked by uncertainty and a longing for deliverance, which false prophets like Shemaiah exploited by offering false hope and assurances of a swift return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah's message, in contrast, called for patience and faithfulness, urging the exiles to settle in Babylon and seek the welfare of the city, as their return would not be immediate. The conflict between Jeremiah and Shemaiah highlights the broader struggle between true and false prophecy in ancient Israel, a theme that recurs throughout the Old Testament. This struggle reflects the ongoing challenge of discerning God's voice amidst competing claims and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to faithfully convey His truth. Concordance Nehel'am (3 Occurrences)Jeremiah 29:24 Jeremiah 29:31 Jeremiah 29:32 Thesaurus Nehel'am (3 Occurrences)Nehel'am. Negotiator, Nehel'am. Nehelamite . Multi-Version Concordance Nehel'am (3 Occurrences). Jeremiah 29:24 And unto Shemaiah ... /n/nehel'am.htm - 7k Negotiator (3 Occurrences) Nehelamite (4 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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