[1][2] According to 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, the intervention of Shemaiah prevented a war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam after the latter had led the northern tribes of Israel to separate from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

[3] King Rehoboam had assembled 180,000 troops to forcefully bring back the ten rebellious tribes.

Shemaiah's words were obeyed and the army stood down.

[4] The Pulpit Commentary calls his intervention "a timely reminder of the unity of the race, notwithstanding the division of the kingdom".

[5] 2 Chronicles further states that Shemaiah prophesied the punishment of Rehoboam by Shishak, king of Egypt.