Shemaiah שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ

Shemaiah was a Levite who was invited by Ezra to join the group of exiles returning to Jerusalem from Babylon. According to Ezr.8.16, Ezra sent for leaders and men of understanding, including Shemaiah, to assist in the journey and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. Shemaiah was among the Levites, along with Eliezer, Arib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, who were specifically summoned by Ezra for this purpose. The inclusion of Levites like Shemaiah was crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of the temple and the spiritual life of the community upon their return to Jerusalem.