Shemaiah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, associated with various individuals who played significant roles in the history of Israel and Judah. The name Shemaiah means "heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard."

1. Shemaiah the Prophet: One of the most notable figures named Shemaiah is the prophet during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Shemaiah is mentioned in 1 Kings 12:22-24 and 2 Chronicles 11:2-4. When Rehoboam intended to fight against the northern tribes of Israel to restore the kingdom, Shemaiah delivered a word from the LORD, instructing Rehoboam and the people of Judah not to go to war against their brothers. The message was heeded, and the conflict was averted. This incident highlights Shemaiah's role as a messenger of God, emphasizing obedience to divine instruction.

2. Shemaiah the Levite: Another Shemaiah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:8, 11, where he is listed as a Levite who participated in bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem during King David's reign. This Shemaiah was part of the group responsible for the sacred task of transporting the Ark, underscoring the importance of proper worship and reverence for God's presence.

3. Shemaiah the Scribe: In the time of Nehemiah, a Shemaiah is noted as a scribe who opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 6:10-14, Shemaiah attempted to deceive Nehemiah by urging him to hide in the temple, claiming there was a threat to his life. Nehemiah recognized this as a ploy to discredit him and refused to act out of fear. This account illustrates the challenges faced by leaders in maintaining integrity and discernment.

4. Other References: Several other individuals named Shemaiah are mentioned throughout the genealogies and lists of returnees from the Babylonian exile, such as in 1 Chronicles 9:14 and Ezra 8:13. These references indicate the commonality of the name and the diverse roles played by those who bore it.

Uzziel

Uzziel is another name that appears in various contexts within the Old Testament. The name Uzziel means "God is my strength."

1. Uzziel the Son of Kohath: Uzziel is identified as a son of Kohath, making him a grandson of Levi, as recorded in Exodus 6:18 and Numbers 3:19. As a member of the Kohathite clan, Uzziel's descendants were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. This role highlights the importance of the Levitical duties and the sanctity of the tabernacle.

2. Uzziel the Uncle of Aaron and Moses: In Leviticus 10:4, Uzziel is mentioned as the uncle of Aaron and Moses. When Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, were struck down for offering unauthorized fire before the LORD, Moses instructed Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Uzziel, to carry their cousins' bodies out of the camp. This incident underscores the seriousness of adhering to God's commands and the familial connections within the Levitical priesthood.

3. Uzziel the Musician: In 1 Chronicles 25:4, Uzziel is listed among the sons of Heman, who were appointed by David to prophesy with musical instruments. This Uzziel was part of the temple musicians, emphasizing the role of music and prophecy in worship.

4. Other Mentions: Uzziel is also mentioned in genealogical records, such as in 1 Chronicles 7:7 and 1 Chronicles 23:12, indicating the name's recurrence among the tribes of Israel.

These entries on Shemaiah and Uzziel reflect their varied contributions to Israel's religious and communal life, as recorded in the biblical narrative.