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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Shimshai</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/shimshai.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ezra/4-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/shimshai.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Shimshai</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shimron-meron--a_city_conquered_by_joshua.htm" title="Shimron-Meron: A City Conquered by Joshua">◄</a> Shimshai <a href="/topical/s/shim'shai.htm" title="Shim'shai">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Shimshai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is identified as a scribe who played a significant role during the period of the Jewish return from the Babylonian exile. His actions are recorded in the context of opposition to the rebuilding efforts of the Jewish people in Jerusalem.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>1. <b><a href="/ezra/4-8.htm">Ezra 4:8-9</a> :</b> "Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows: From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech, and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa."<br><br>2. <b><a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Ezra 4:17</a> :</b> "The king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region: Greetings."<br><br>3. <b><a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">Ezra 4:23</a> :</b> "As soon as the copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them."<br><br><b>Historical Context:</b><br><br>Shimshai served as a scribe during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia. His role as a scribe indicates that he was responsible for official correspondence and documentation, a position of considerable influence and authority. The period in which Shimshai is mentioned is marked by the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and their efforts to rebuild the temple and the city walls, a task that faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples.<br><br><b>Role and Actions:</b><br><br>Shimshai, along with Rehum the commander and other officials, opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes, expressing concern that the restoration of Jerusalem would lead to rebellion and a loss of control over the region. Their letter was successful in halting the construction efforts temporarily, as the king ordered the cessation of the work until further notice.<br><br>The actions of Shimshai and his associates reflect the broader political and social tensions of the time. The returning exiles were seen as a threat to the established order and the interests of the local populations who had settled in the area during the Jewish exile.<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the opposition led by Shimshai can be seen as part of the recurring theme of resistance faced by God's people throughout biblical history. Despite the obstacles, the narrative of Ezra and Nehemiah ultimately demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to restore Jerusalem and His people. Shimshai's opposition serves as a reminder of the challenges that believers may face in their efforts to follow God's will, yet it also underscores the ultimate triumph of divine purpose.<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b><br><br>Shimshai's role in the biblical narrative is a testament to the complex interplay of political, social, and spiritual forces during the post-exilic period. His actions, while opposing the immediate goals of the Jewish returnees, are part of the larger account of God's redemptive plan for His people.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Shimshai</span><p>my son<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>The shining one, or sunny, the secretary of Rehum the chancellor, who took part in opposing the rebuilding of the temple after the Captivity (<a href="/ezra/4-8.htm">Ezra 4:8</a>, 9, 17-23). <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">SHIMSHAI</span><p>shim'-shi, shim'-sha-i (shimshay; Codex Vaticanus Samasa, Samae, Sameais Samesa; Codex Alexandrinus Samsai; Lucian, Samaias, throughout; in 1 Esdras 2:17 he is called "Semellius," the Revised Version (British and American) "Samellius"; a number of explanations of this name have been offered, but no one has been generally favored. One conjecture traces it to an Old Iranian caritative sh-sh-m-y conformed to shamash; another prefers the Old Bactrian simezhi = simaezhi; compare BDB, under the word The name looks as though it were derived from shemesh, "the sun"): A state secretary who, with REHUM (which see) and others, wrote to Artaxerxes to persuade him to prohibit the rebuilding of the temple (<a href="/ezra/4-8.htm">Ezra 4:8, 9, 17, 23</a>).<br><br>Horace J. Wolf<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/8124.htm"><span class="l">8124. Shimshay -- a scribe who opposed Isr.</span></a><br><b>...</b> a scribe who opposed Isr. Transliteration: Shimshay Phonetic Spelling:<br> (shim-shah'-ee) Short Definition: <b>Shimshai</b>. <b>...</b> NASB Word Usage <b>Shimshai</b> (4). <b>Shimshai</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/8124.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/of_antichrist_and_his_ruin_.htm"><span class="l">Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.</span></a> <br>The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/shimshai.htm"><span class="l"><b>Shimshai</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 23). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>SHIMSHAI</b>. shim'-shi <b>...</b> 23). Horace J. Wolf.<br> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Shimshai</b> (4 Occurrences). Ezra 4 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shimshai.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shim'shai.htm"><span class="l">Shim'shai (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Shim'shai. <b>Shimshai</b>, Shim'shai. Shin . Multi-Version Concordance Shim'shai<br> (4 Occurrences). Ezra 4:8 Rehum the commander and <b>Shimshai</b><b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shim'shai.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rehum.htm"><span class="l">Rehum (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and <b>Shimshai</b> the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem<br> to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rehum.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/secretary.htm"><span class="l">Secretary (34 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and <b>Shimshai</b> the scribe wrote a letter against<br> Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/secretary.htm - 18k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/counsellor.htm"><span class="l">Counsellor (16 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (ASV DBY JPS YLT). Ezra 4:8 Rehum counsellor, and <b>Shimshai</b> scribe have written a<br> letter concerning Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king, thus: (YLT). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/counsellor.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/colleagues.htm"><span class="l">Colleagues (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 4:9 then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and <b>Shimshai</b> the scribe, and the rest<br> of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/colleagues.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/chancellor.htm"><span class="l">Chancellor (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and <b>Shimshai</b> the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem<br> to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/chancellor.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/associates.htm"><span class="l">Associates (26 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 4:9 then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and <b>Shimshai</b> the scribe, and the rest<br> of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/associates.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/scribe.htm"><span class="l">Scribe (55 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and <b>Shimshai</b> the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem<br> to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/scribe.htm - 27k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/companions.htm"><span class="l">Companions (58 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 4:9 then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and <b>Shimshai</b> the scribe, and the rest<br> of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/companions.htm - 23k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Shimshai (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/4-8.htm">Ezra 4:8</a></span><br />Rehum the chancellor and <span class="boldtext">Shimshai</span> the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: <br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/4-9.htm">Ezra 4:9</a></span><br />then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and <span class="boldtext">Shimshai</span> the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites,<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Ezra 4:17</a></span><br />Then sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to <span class="boldtext">Shimshai</span> the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">Ezra 4:23</a></span><br />Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and <span class="boldtext">Shimshai</span> the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/shimshai.htm">Shimshai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/shimshai_or_shimshai.htm">Shimshai or Shimshai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shimshai--a_scribe.htm">Shimshai: A Scribe</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shimshai.htm">Shimshai (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shin.htm">Shin (2 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shimron-meron--a_city_conquered_by_joshua.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Shimron-Meron: A City Conquered by Joshua"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Shimron-Meron: A City Conquered by Joshua" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/shim'shai.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Shim'shai"><img 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