Terror on Every Side! List of Characters

The following list contains all of the characters mentioned in the Bible around the time of Jeremiah. Names listed in grey are people who appear in the series Terror on Every Side! The Life of Jeremiah but are not mentioned in the Bible.

Terror on Every Side! List of Characters

 

Abigail [1] – wife of Gemariah [1] the son of Hilkiah and brother of Jeremiah. (Not in the Bible.)

Abigail [2] – wife of Zaccai, an official/ruler/noble in the time of King Josiah. Welcomed visitors at the Passover in Josiah’s eighteenth year. (Not in the Bible.)

Achbor – son of Micaiah. Official/ruler/noble in the time of King Josiah. Sent with Hilkiah, Ahikam, Shaphan and Asaiah to see Huldah the prophetess (2 Kings 22:11-20). Named ‘Abdon son of Micah’ in 2 Chronicles 34:20. Possibly the father of Elnathan mentioned in Jeremiah 26:22 and 36:12.

Ahab – son of Kolaiah. False prophet (with Zedekiah [2] the son of Maaseiah (possibly Maaseiah [2])) in captivity. Cursed by God in a letter sent by Jeremiah, with the punishment being that King Nebuchadnezzar would roast them in the fire (Jeremiah 29:21-23).

Adaiah – a childhood friend of Jeremiah’s who becomes his enemy. (Not in the Bible.)

Ahikam – son of Shaphan. Sent with Hilkiah, Achbor, Shaphan (probably his father) and Asaiah to see Huldah the prophetess (2 Kings 22:11-20 and 2 Chronicles 34:19-28). Protected Jeremiah from the people in the time of King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:24). Father of Gedaliah [2], the governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar after the destruction of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39:14; 40:9 & 11; 41:2; 43:6). See also Jeremiah 39:14.

Amon – son of King Manasseh and father of King Josiah. An evil king who was 22 years old when he became king and reigned 2 years. Assassinated by his servants (see 2 Kings 21:17-26).

Asaiah – servant of King Josiah. Sent with Achbor, Hilkiah, Ahikam and Shaphan to see Huldah the prophetess (2 Kings 22:11-20).

Azariah [1] – Son of Hilkiah the High Priest (1 Chronicles 6:13 and Ezra 7:1). High Priest after Hilkiah. Father of Seraiah who was High Priest at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:18-21). Assumed to be the older brother of Jeremiah.

Azariah [2] – friend of Daniel the prophet. Taken into captivity with Daniel in the third/fourth year of King Jehoiakim. In Babylon, his name was changed to Abednego.

Azariah [3] – son of Hoshaiah. One of the ‘insolent men’ who said that Jeremiah was telling a lie when he gave God’s answer that the remaining people of Judah should not go to Egypt (Jeremiah 43:2).

Baruch – son of Neriah, son of Mahseiah (‘Maaseiah’ in KJV, but actually a different name in Hebrew) (Jeremiah 32:12; 51:59). Jeremiah’s scribe. Brother of Seraiah [2].

Belibni – a Chaldean officer who looks after Jeremiah on the day when Jerusalem falls. (Not in the Bible.)

Benaiah [1] – son of Kish and a childhood friend of Jeremiah’s who becomes his enemy. (Not in the Bible.)

Benaiah [2] – father of Pelatiah (Ezekiel 11:1, 13). Son of Kenan and the brother of Kish who was the father of Benaiah [1]. A chief man in Anathoth. (No details in the Bible.)

Chelub – a childhood friend of Jeremiah’s who becomes his enemy. (Not in the Bible.)

Conaniah – a leader of the Levites with his brothers Shemaiah [3] and Nethanel. Contributed offerings for the Levites in the great Passover ordered by Josiah in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Chronicles 35:9).

Coniah – see King Jeconiah.

Daniel – the prophet. Writer, under the inspiration of God, of the book of Daniel in the Bible. Probably of noble birth. Taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar in the third/fourth year of King Jehoiakim.

Delaiah [1] – son of Shemaiah (possibly Shemaiah [1], the leader of the Levites in the time of King Josiah referred to in 2 Chronicles 35:9). Official of King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:12, 25).

Deborah – a neighbour of Huldah the prophetess. (Not in the Bible.)

Delaiah [2] – chief servant in Hilkiah’s house (in Volume 2). (Not in the Bible.)

Dishon – an Edomite diplomat who visited Jerusalem in the time of Jehoiakim. (Not in the Bible.)

Ebal – an Edomite diplomat who visited Jerusalem in the time of Jehoiakim. (Not in the Bible.)

Ebed-melech – a brave Ethiopian eunuch in King Zedekiah’s house. Heard that Jeremiah had been put into a mud-filled cistern by Shephatiah, Gedaliah [1], Jehucal/Jucal and Pashhur [2] (Jeremiah 38:1-6) and asked the king for him to be freed, telling him that the behaviour of his nobles was evil (Jeremiah 38:9). Was given permission to help Jeremiah and took men to lift him out of the cistern (Jeremiah 38:10-13). Given a promise by God that he would be kept safe when Jerusalem was destroyed (Jeremiah 39:15-18).

Eglah – first wife of Shobai who died in childbirth. (Not in the Bible.)

Elasah – son of Shaphan. Sent by King Zedekiah [1] with Gemariah [1] the son of Hilkiah to Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:3). Carried a letter from Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1-32).

Eliada – a servant in Hilkiah’s house (in Volume 2). (Not in the Bible.)

Elishama – Secretary to King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:12, 20-21).

Elnathan [1] – son of Achbor. One of Jehoiakim’s nobles. Sent by King Jehoiakim with men to fetch Uriah the prophet after he fled to Egypt (Jeremiah 26:22). Unsuccessfully urged King Jehoiakim not to burn the scroll of Jeremiah’s words (Jeremiah 36:12, 25).

Elnathan [2] – of Jerusalem (2 Kings 24:8). Father of Nehushta, the wife of King Jehoiakim and mother of King Jehoiachin.

Ezekiel – son of Buzi. A priest. Taken into captivity at the same time as King Jehoiakim. Writer, under the inspiration of God, of the book of Ezekiel in the Bible.

Gedaliah [1] – son of Pashhur. An official of King Zedekiah [1] who, with Shephatiah and Jehucal/Jucal, asked King Zedekiah [1] to kill Jeremiah and then put Jeremiah in the mud-filled cistern (Jeremiah 38:1-6).

Gedaliah [2] – son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan. Governor appointed by King Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 40:5) and subsequently assassinated at Mizpah by Ishmael (2 Kings 25:25).

Gemariah [1] – son of Hilkiah (Jeremiah 29:3). Assumed to be the son of the High Priest and brother of Jeremiah.

Gemariah [2] – son of Shaphan (the secretary). Important official of King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:12). Had a chamber in the upper court of the New Gate of the temple (Jeremiah 36:10). Father of Micaiah (Jeremiah 36:11).

Hamutal – daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah and wife of King Josiah. Mother of King Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:31) and King Zedekiah [1] (2 Kings 24:18).

Hananiah [1] – son of Azzur. False prophet. Killed by God in the seventh month of the fourth year of King Zedekiah after false prophecies in the fifth month of the same year (Jeremiah 28). Possibly (and assumed in this series to be) the grandfather of Irijah, the son of Shelemiah (Jeremiah 37:13). Possibly the brother of Jaazaniah [3].

Hananiah [2] – father of Zedekiah [3], an official of King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:12).

Hananiah [3] – friend of Daniel the prophet. Taken into captivity with Daniel in the third/fourth year of King Jehoiakim (Daniel 1:1-2). In Babylon, his name was changed to Shadrach (Daniel 1:6-7).

Hanamel – son of Shallum [2] (Jeremiah 32:7). Jeremiah’s cousin (Jeremiah 32:8).

Hanamel and Jeremiah’s shared paternal uncle – added to provide a house in Jerusalem that could be used by the extended family. There is no evidence in the Bible for the existence of this uncle.

Hashabiah – a leader of the Levites. Contributed offerings for the Levites in the great Passover ordered by King Josiah in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Chronicles 35:9).

Hasshub – son of Gemariah [1], Jeremiah’s brother. (Not in the Bible.)

Hephzibah – wife of Azariah [1] (Jeremiah’s brother) and mother of Seraiah [3] who was High Priest at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem. (Azariah’s wife is not named in the Bible.)

Hilkiah – son of Shallum [1] the High Priest (1 Chronicles 6:13). High Priest in the eighteenth year of King Josiah (2 Kings 22:3-4). Assumed to be the father of Jeremiah the prophet referred to in Jeremiah 1:1.

Pharaoh Hophra – king of Egypt in about the last 2-3 years of the reign of Zedekiah and for another 16 years afterwards. Received the people who disobeyed God and left Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah prophesied against him (Jeremiah 44:30).

Huldah – wife of Shallum [3] (2 Kings 22:14). Prophetess. Gave God’s answer to the men sent by King Josiah after he heard the reading of the Book of the Law.

Irijah – son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah. Sentry at the Benjamin Gate who arrested Jeremiah on the charge of deserting to the Chaldeans (Jeremiah 37:12-14). May have been (and is assumed in this series to have been) grandson of the false prophet Hananiah [1], killed by God five years earlier (Jeremiah 28:15-17).

Ishmael – son of Nethaniah. Captain of an army unit in the open country and a member of the royal family (Jeremiah 41:1). One of the chief officers of King Zedekiah [1]. Went to Gedaliah [2] with other army leaders to seek assurances about the new regime after the destruction of Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah. Appears to have been paid by Baalis the king of the Ammonites to kill Gedaliah [2], the newly appointed governor. Went with 10 men to Mizpah and assassinated Gedaliah [2], many of the Jews with him and all of the Chaldean soldiers who were there. Later killed some pilgrims as well. Took various people captive and set out for Ammon. He was chased by the other army commanders and overtaken at Gibeon. After some fighting, he escaped with eight men and went to the Ammonites (Jeremiah 41).

Ithmah – a Moabite diplomat who visited Jerusalem in the time of Jehoiakim. (Not in the Bible.)

Ishi – a servant of Immer. (Not in the Bible.)

Jaazaniah [1] – son of Jeremiah, son of Habazziniah. Descendant of Jonadab the son of Rechab and chief of the house of the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35:3). Jeremiah offered the Rechabites wine and they refused as commanded by Jonadab the son of Rechab (Jeremiah 35:6).

Jaazaniah [2] – son of Shaphan. Elder of Israel who led them in idolatry (seen by Ezekiel in a vision of events in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 8:11)).

Jaazaniah [3] – son of Azzur. Prince of the people who led them in worshipping the sun (seen by Ezekiel in a vision of events in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 11:1)). Possibly the brother of Hananiah [1] the false prophet (Jeremiah 28:1 and Ezekiel 11:1).

Jaazaniah [4] (also known as Jezaniah) – son of Hoshaiah the Maacathite. Captain of an army unit in the open country. Went to Gedaliah [2] with other army leaders to seek assurances about the new regime after the destruction of Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 40:8; 42:1).

Jeconiah – son of King Jehoiakim. King of Judah for 3 months and 10 days after the death of his father. Also known as Coniah or Jehoiachin.

Jehiel – a chief officer of the temple in the time of King Josiah with Hilkiah and Zechariah (2 Chronicles 35:8).

Jehoahaz – see Shallum [4].

Jehoiakim – son of King Josiah. King of Judah for 11 years after Pharaoh Neco deposed King Jehoahaz (Shallum [4]). Originally named Eliakim, but renamed by Neco.

Jehoiachin – see Jeconiah.

Jehonathan – one of King Zedekiah’s guards who was also a friend of Ebed-melech and helped him free Jeremiah from the cistern. (Not in the Bible.)

Jehozadak – son of Seraiah [3] (1 Chronicles 6:14) and great grandson of Hilkiah the High Priest. Taken into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar (1 Chronicles 6:15) after his father was executed in Riblah. Assumed to be Jeremiah’s great nephew. Probably brother of Ezra the priest, scribe and Bible author (Ezra 7:1-2).

Jehucal/Jucal – son of Shelemiah (Jeremiah 37:3 and 38:1). Official of King Zedekiah. With Shepatiah, Gedaliah [1] and Pashhur [2], asked King Zedekiah to kill Jeremiah and then put Jeremiah into a mud-filled cistern (Jeremiah 38:1-6).

Jehudi – son of Nethaniah, son of Shelemiah [1], son of Cushi (Jeremiah 36:14, 21 and 23). Sent by King Jehoiakim’s officials to fetch Baruch with the scroll he had written at Jeremiah’s dictation. Read the scroll to King Jehoiakim, who cut it up and burned it (Jeremiah 36).

Jeiel – a leader of the Levites. Contributed offerings for the Levites in the great Passover ordered by King Josiah in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Chronicles 35:9).

Jerahmeel – son of King Jehoiakim (or possibly of a man called Hammelech, which means “the king”) (Jeremiah 36:26). Sent unsuccessfully with Seraiah [1] and Shelemiah [2] to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch.

Jeremiah – priest from Anathoth (Jeremiah 1:1). Son of Hilkiah, assumed to be Hilkiah the High Priest. Writer, under God’s inspiration, of the book of Jeremiah.

Jezaniah – see Jaazaniah [4].

Joah – son of Joahaz the recorder (2 Chronicles 34:8). Sent with Shaphan and Maaseiah [1] to supervise the repairing of the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:8).

Johanan (and a brother Jonathan in some manuscripts) – the son(s) of Kareah. Captain(s) of an army unit in the open country. Went to Gedaliah [2] with other army leaders to seek assurances about the new regime after the destruction of Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah. Warned Gedaliah [2], the newly appointed governor, about a plot by Ishmael to kill him, but was ignored. Led the chase and fight against Ishmael after he had assassinated Gedaliah [2] and overtook them at Gibeon. Spokesmen for the people when asking Jeremiah to seek an answer from God as to whether the remnant should go to Egypt or not, and also led them in refusing to listen to God’s answer. See Jeremiah 40, 42 and 43.

Jonathan – owner of a house turned into a prison during the siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 37:15-21; 38:28).

Josiah – son of Amon (2 Kings 21:24) and grandson of Manasseh, kings of Judah. Became king of Judah at the age of eight and reigned 31 years (2 Kings 22:1). Jeremiah began to prophesy in the thirteenth year of his reign (Jeremiah 1:2) and continued to prophesy throughout the rest of his reign (Jeremiah 25:3). He was named in a prophecy in 1 Kings 13:2 and his actions against idolatry in Israel predicted. He was the only king of Judah or Israel who had this name.

Jozabad – a leader of the Levites. Contributed offerings for the Levites in the great Passover ordered by King Josiah in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Chronicles 35:9).

Kallai – a guard in the house of Jonathan when it was used as a prison. (Not in the Bible.)

Lappidoth – a captain of the king’s guard who enjoyed telling stories of military events. Later led a group of soldiers fighting in the open country. (Not in the Bible.)

Maacah – daughter of Miriam, an inn-keeper in Bethel, and a believer in God. The inn was visited by Jeremiah during the reign of King Josiah. (Not in the Bible.)

Maaseiah [1] – governor of Jerusalem. Sent with Shaphan and Joah to supervise the repairing of the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:8). May have been a priest and the father of Zephaniah [2] and Zedekiah [2], but this is more likely to apply to Maaseiah [2].

Maaseiah [2] – keeper of the threshold of the house of God (Jeremiah 35:4). May have been a priest and the father of Zephaniah [2] (second priest at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 37:3)) and/or Zedekiah [2] (a false prophet in exile (Jeremiah 29:25)).

Malchiah/Malchijah – son of King Zedekiah [1], or possibly a man called Hammelech (which means “the king”). Owner of the cistern into which Jeremiah was put by Shephatiah, Gedaliah [1], Jehucal/Jucal and Pashhur [2] (Jeremiah 38:1-6). Presumably killed by Nebuchadnezzar in Riblah with the other sons of King Zedekiah (Jeremiah 52:10).

Manasseh – son of King Hezekiah. Judah’s worst king (2 Kings 23:26, 24:3). Began to reign at the age of 12 and reigned for 55 years. Repented near the end of his life, but the damage was done: Judah was sent into captivity because of Manasseh’s evil (Jeremiah 15:4; see also 2 Kings 21:1-18 and 2 Chronicles 33:1-20).

Meshullam – a Levite of the family of Kohath. One of the overseers of the work of repairing and restoring the temple of God in the eighteenth year of King Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:12). Also worked as a Validator in Volume 2, but this is not in the Bible.

Micaiah – son of Gemariah [2], son of Shaphan (Jeremiah 36:11). Told Jehoiakim’s officials of the words read by Baruch from the scroll dictated by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36:11-13).

Micri – a noble of Judah during the reign of King Josiah. (Not in the Bible.)

Miriam – an inn-keeper in Bethel, and a believer in God. The inn was visited by Jeremiah during the reign of King Josiah. (Not in the Bible.)

Mishael – friend of Daniel, taken into captivity with him in the third/fourth year of King Jehoiakim (Daniel 1:1-2). In Babylon, his name was changed to Meshach (Daniel 1:6-7).

Mishael – the son of Shobai and Maacah in Bethel, taken into captivity in the third/fourth year of King Jehoiakim. (Not in the Bible).

Nathan – a young robber Jeremiah met while travelling in Israel. (Not in the Bible.)

Nebuchadnezzar – king of Babylon, mentioned in 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel.

Nebushazban the Rab-saris (see also Sar-sekim). Senior official of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. One of a group of chief officials sent by Nebuchadnezzar to make sure Jeremiah was cared for after the fall of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 39:13-14).

Nebuzaradan – captain of the guard for Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (2 Kings 25:8). Freed Jeremiah from among the prisoners being taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 40:1) and left him with Gedaliah [2]. Burned the temple and the king’s house, destroyed all important buildings in the city and broke down the walls (2 Kings 25:8-10). Took many Jews into captivity in Babylon, leaving only a few of the poorest people in the land (2 Kings 25:11-12). Took away the bronze and the vessels of the temple (2 Kings 25:13-17). Took many officials to King Nebuchadnezzar in Riblah where they were executed (2 Kings 25:18-21). Also took more Jews captive 4-5 years later (Jeremiah 52:30).

Pharaoh Neco – king of Egypt in the time of Josiah (2 Kings 23:29). Marched through Judah on the way to Carchemish to help Assyria fight with Nebuchadnezzar at the command of God (2 Chronicles 35:20-22). Met Josiah in battle and killed him (2 Chronicles 35:23-24). Deposed Jehoahaz on the way back three months later (2 Chronicles 36:1-4). Fought in the battle of Carchemish four years later and lost (Jeremiah 46:2). This was the end of Egypt’s power over other kingdoms.

Nehushta – daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. Wife of King Jehoiakim and mother of King Jeconiah (2 Kings 24:6, 8).

Nergal-sar-ezer [1] – official of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. Met with other Chaldean officials in the middle gate of Jerusalem after a breach was opened in the wall (Jeremiah 39:3).

Nergal-sar-ezer [2] – the Rab-mag. Official of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. Met with other Chaldean officials in the middle gate of Jerusalem after a breach was opened in the wall (Jeremiah 39:3). One of a group of chief officials sent by Nebuchadnezzar to make sure Jeremiah was cared for after the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39:13).

Nethanel – a leader of the Levites with his brothers Shemaiah [3] and Conaniah. Contributed offerings for the Levites in the great Passover ordered by King Josiah in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Chronicles 35:9).

Omri – senior officer of the king’s guard. (Not in the Bible.)

Ozem – leader of a squad of soldiers protecting King Jehoiakim when the Chaldean army attacked in his eleventh year. (Not in the Bible.)

Pashhur [1] – son of Immer. A priest, chief officer of the temple. Assaulted Jeremiah and then imprisoned him in the stocks for a day. Cursed by God (Jeremiah 20:1-6).

Pashhur [2] – son of Malchiah. One of King Zedekiah’s nobles. Sent by King Zedekiah [1] to ask for God’s advice when King Nebuchadnezzar was besieging Jerusalem (Jeremiah 21:1-7). With Shephatiah, Gedaliah [1] and Jehucal/Jucal, later asked King Zedekiah [1] to kill Jeremiah and then put Jeremiah in the mud-filled cistern (Jeremiah 38:1-6). Father of Jeroham, whose son Adaiah returned from captivity (1 Chronicles 9:12).

Pelatiah – son of Benaiah [2]. Prince of the people who led them in worshipping the sun (Ezekiel 8:16; 11:1). Died in one of Ezekiel’s visions of events in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 11:13).

Ram – one of the soldiers of Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah. Carried a message to Johanan. (Not in the Bible.)

Rei – a servant in the house of Azariah [1] when he was High Priest. (Not in the Bible.)

Samgar-nebu – official of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. Met with other Chaldean officials in the middle gate of Jerusalem after a breach was opened in the wall (Jeremiah 39:3).

Sar-sekim – the Rab-saris (see also Nebushazban). Official of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. Met with other Chaldean officials in the middle gate of Jerusalem after a breach was opened in the wall (Jeremiah 39:3).

Seraiah [1] – son of Azriel. A servant of King Jehoiakim sent unsuccessfully to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch (Jeremiah 36:26).

Seraiah [2] – son of Neriah, son of Mahseiah (Jeremiah 51:59). Quartermaster who went with King Zedekiah to Babylon (Jeremiah 51:59). Jeremiah sent a message with him on a scroll (Jeremiah 51:59-64). Brother of Baruch (Jeremiah 32:12; 51:59).

Seraiah [3] – Grandson of Hilkiah the High Priest (1 Chronicles 6:13 and Ezra 7:1). High Priest after Azariah [1], the son of Hilkiah. High Priest at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, killed by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:18-21). Father of Jehozadak who was taken into exile. Assumed to be the nephew of Jeremiah.

Seraiah [4] – son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite. A captain of the army of Judah at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:23 and Jeremiah 40:8). Went to Gedaliah [2] with other army leaders to seek assurances about the new regime after the destruction of Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah.

Shallum [1] – High Priest and father of Hilkiah the High Priest (1 Chronicles 6:13). Assumed to be Jeremiah’s grandfather.

Shallum [2] – Jeremiah’s uncle (Jeremiah 32:7). Assumed to be the brother of Hilkiah the High Priest.

Shallum [3] – Keeper of the wardrobe and husband of Huldah the prophetess (2 Chronicles 34:22). Described as son of Tikvah, son of Harhas in 2 Kings 22:14 or son of Tokhath, son of Hasrah in 2 Chronicles 34:22.

Shallum [4] – Another name for Jehoahaz the son of Josiah. King of Judah for three months after the death of King Josiah. Deposed by Pharaoh Neco on his way back from Carchemish and imprisoned in Egypt until his death (Jeremiah 22:11-12 and 2 Kings 23:30-34, 2 Chronicles 36:1-4).

Shaphan – son of Azaliah, son of Meshullam (2 Kings 22:3). Secretary to King Josiah. Sent with Maaseiah [1] and Joah to supervise the repairing of the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:8). Showed and read the book of the law to Josiah after it was found by Hilkiah. Sent with Hilkiah, Achbor, Ahikam (probably his son) and Asaiah to see Huldah the prophetess (2 Kings 22:11-20). Probably father of Ahikam and Elasah (Jeremiah 29:1-3).

Shelemiah [1] – son of Cushi. Father of Nethaniah whose son Jehudi was sent by officials to fetch the scroll written by Baruch (Jeremiah 36:14).

Shelemiah [2] – son of Abdeel. A servant of King Jehoiakim, sent unsuccessfully to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch (Jeremiah 36:26).

Shemaiah [1] – a leader among the Levites in King Josiah’s time (2 Chronicles 35:9). Possibly the father of Delaiah [1] (Jeremiah 36:12).

Shemaiah [2] – the Nehelamite. False prophet in captivity in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:24-32). Sent unauthorised and rebellious letters to Jerusalem (Jeremiah 29:32).

Shemaiah [3] – a leader of the Levites with his brothers Conaniah and Nethanel. Contributed offerings for the Levites in the great Passover ordered by King Josiah in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Chronicles 35:9).

Shephatiah – son of Mattan. Official of King Zedekiah [1]. With Gedaliah [1], Jehucal/Jucal and Pashhur [2], asked King Zedekiah [1] to kill Jeremiah, then put Jeremiah in a cistern partly filled with mud (Jeremiah 38:1-6).

Shobai – inhabitant of Bethel, and a believer in God. First met Jeremiah during the reign of King Josiah. (Not in the Bible.)

Telah – Captain of the guard at the Benjamin Gate during the reign of Jeconiah. (Not in the Bible.)

Uriah – son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. Prophet killed on the orders of King Jehoiakim for prophesying against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 26:20-23).

Vaniah – a guard in the house of Jonathan when it was used as a prison. (Not in the Bible.)

Zaccai – husband of Abigail [2]. Official/ruler/noble in the time of King Josiah. Welcomed visitors at the Passover in Josiah’s eighteenth year. (Not in the Bible.)

Zadok – son of Azariah [1], Jeremiah’s brother. (Not in the Bible.)

Zebidah – daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah and wife of King Josiah. Mother of Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:36).

Zechariah – a chief officer of the temple in the time of King Josiah with Hilkiah and Jehiel (2 Chronicles 35:8).

Zedekiah [1] – son of Josiah, king of Judah, and Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah (Jeremiah 52:1). Originally known as Mattaniah but renamed by King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:17).

Zedekiah [2] – son of Maaseiah (possibly Maaseiah [2]). False prophet (with Ahab the son of Kolaiah) in captivity. Cursed by God in a letter sent by Jeremiah, with the punishment being that King Nebuchadnezzar would roast them in the fire (Jeremiah 29:21-23).

Zedekiah [3] – son of Hananiah [2] (Jeremiah 36:12). An official of King Jehoiakim.

Zephaniah [1] – son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah (probably King Hezekiah) (Zephaniah 1:1). Author, under the inspiration of God, of the book of Zephaniah.

Zephaniah [2] – son of Maaseiah (possibly Maaseiah [2]). A priest. Messenger sent to Jeremiah by King Zedekiah [1] near the end of his reign (Jeremiah 21:1-7; 29:24-29; 37:3-10). Probably executed by King Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 52:24-27).

Zimri – a robber Jeremiah met while travelling in Israel. (Not in the Bible.)