Introduction:
Prophet Shemaiah is a lesser-known figure in the Old Testament, yet his role was pivotal during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Shemaiah's message is recorded in the context of the division of the united monarchy of Israel and the subsequent events that unfolded in the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Historical Context:
After the death of King Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel was divided into two: the Northern Kingdom, known as Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, known as Judah. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, ascended to the throne of Judah. His harsh policies and refusal to lighten the heavy burdens imposed by his father led to the rebellion of the northern tribes, who chose Jeroboam as their king.

Shemaiah's Role:
Shemaiah is introduced in the biblical narrative as a "man of God" during a critical moment of potential civil war between the two kingdoms. When Rehoboam gathered an army to reclaim the northern tribes, Shemaiah delivered a divine message that altered the course of events.

The Message:
The message of Shemaiah is recorded in 1 Kings 12:22-24 and 2 Chronicles 11:2-4. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the message is as follows:

"But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God: 'Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to all the Israelites in 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. Each of you must return home, for this is My doing."' So they listened to the words of the LORD and turned back from going against Jeroboam."

Significance of the Message:
Shemaiah's message was significant for several reasons:

1. Divine Intervention: The message underscored the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. It was a divine intervention that prevented bloodshed among the Israelites, emphasizing that the division of the kingdom was part of God's plan.

2. Obedience to God: The response of Rehoboam and the people to Shemaiah's message demonstrated a moment of obedience to God's command. Despite the potential for conflict, they heeded the prophetic word and refrained from engaging in battle.

3. Preservation of Judah: By obeying the message, Rehoboam preserved the Southern Kingdom from immediate destruction and internal strife. This act of obedience allowed Judah to stabilize and continue its lineage, which was crucial for the fulfillment of God's promises to David.

4. Prophetic Authority: Shemaiah's role as a prophet highlights the authority and importance of prophetic voices in guiding the leaders and people of Israel. His message served as a reminder of the need to seek and adhere to God's will.

Legacy:
Though Shemaiah's appearance in the biblical narrative is brief, his message had a lasting impact on the history of Israel and Judah. It serves as a testament to the power of God's word delivered through His prophets and the importance of obedience to divine instruction.