Shemaiah

Shemaiah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, referring to different individuals. The name Shemaiah means "heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." Below are some notable mentions of Shemaiah in the Scriptures:

1. Shemaiah the Prophet: Shemaiah was a prophet during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah. He played a significant role in advising Rehoboam against waging war with the northern tribes of Israel after the kingdom was divided. In 1 Kings 12:22-24 , it is recorded: "But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God: 'Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to the whole house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, 'This is what the LORD says: You are not to march up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this is My doing.'' So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD."

2. Shemaiah the Levite: Another Shemaiah was a Levite who played a role in the religious reforms under King Hezekiah. He was one of the Levites who helped cleanse the temple and restore proper worship practices. In 2 Chronicles 29:14 , it is mentioned: "from the descendants of Heman, Jehiel and Shimei; and from the descendants of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel."

3. Shemaiah the Scribe: During the time of Nehemiah, a Shemaiah is mentioned as a scribe who was involved in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah 6:10 states: "Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said: 'Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors, because they are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.'"

Nethanel

Nethanel, meaning "given by God," is another name that appears several times in the Old Testament, referring to different individuals. Here are some notable mentions:

1. Nethanel the Prince: Nethanel was a leader of the tribe of Issachar during the wilderness journey of the Israelites. He is listed among the leaders who brought offerings for the dedication of the altar. Numbers 7:18 records: "On the second day Nethanel son of Zuar, the leader of Issachar, drew near."

2. Nethanel the Priest: In the time of King David, Nethanel was one of the priests who played a role in the organization of temple services. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 24:6 : "The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and all the officials, and Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of the families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar and then one from Ithamar."

3. Nethanel the Teacher: During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, Nethanel was one of the Levites sent throughout the cities of Judah to teach the people the Law of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 states: "In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials—Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah—to teach in the cities of Judah. And with them he sent the Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram. They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people."

These individuals named Shemaiah and Nethanel played various roles in the history of Israel, contributing to the spiritual and political life of the nation. Their accounts reflect the diverse ways in which God used His people to fulfill His purposes throughout biblical history.