ירמיהו, פרק כ״ט, פסוק כ״ד

Continuing the letter sent to the exiled Jews in Babylon, God commands His prophet to deliver a specific message concerning a man named Shemaiah [מצודת דוד]. This individual was likely a prominent figure among the exiled community and may have even presented himself as a prophet [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Shemaiah is identified by a unique title, which commentators understand in two distinct ways. One approach, supported by the ancient Aramaic translation, views this as a geographic marker, indicating that he originally came from a city called Helam [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. Alternatively, the title might refer directly to his actions rather than his hometown. It can be linked to the word for a dream, suggesting he earned this name by sharing false dreams with the exiles, wrongly promising them that they would quickly return to Jerusalem [רד״ק].