Many bible readers may not remember his name. Shemaiah who lived around 930 B.C. He was a prophet used by God to avert wars during the reign of Rehoboam. Shemaiah was also called as a Prophet of Peace. His name means ‘God Hears.’
Civil war averted: Rehoboam, the son of Solomon witnessed rebellion. Instead of listening to wise advisors, listened to youngsters which resulted in Jeroboam becoming king of the Northern Kingdom. Rehoboam wanted to reunite the divided kingdom, by waging war against Jeroboam. Prophet Shemaiah warns Rehoboam against the misadventure. Rehoboam and troops numbering 1 80 000 listened to God’s voice and went back without waging a war. (I Kings 12:21-24) Uniting the Kingdom was a good intention but was not God’s will at that time in the history of the people of God. Though they were divided as political entities, they were united as a race.
War averted: The Nation of Judah was threatened by Shishak, king of Egypt. Under Rehoboam, the Nation had abandoned the Lord. Shishak came with 60,000 horsemen, 1200 chariots, and numerous soldiers. (II Chronicles 12:5-9) Prophet Shemaiah warned against war and called them to recognize their sins and repent. The king and princes humbled themselves before the Lord. God did not allow Shishak to destroy them, but they suffered losses. Shishak invaded and carried off some sacred treasures.
Bold prophet: Stopping a king from going to war when the whole army was mobilized, motivated, armed, and ready for action, is not an easy task. Shemaiah had God bestowed boldness to confront the army and king and deliver God’s word. To the credit of Rehoboam, he listened and obeyed the voice of the Lord, unlike in the beginning of his kingship.
Writer: Like other Old Testament prophets, God used Shemaiah to direct the paths of the kings, call people to repentance, and bring renewal. It is important to note that Shemaiah wrote a book that had details of the Nation of Israel under Rehoboam. His writings were used to compile later the Book of Kings and Chronicles.
Am I a faithful servant of God like Shemaiah?