We know nothing about the man other than that he worked as guard at the East Gate. The East Gate
could be a reference to a gate in Jerusalem’s eastern wall (the repair of which is presently being recorded); more likely, this Gate was in the temple complex alongside which the wall is being built (Ezekiel 10:19; Ezekiel 11:1). That we are told what Shemiah’s job was might be to distinguish him from another Shemiah the son of Shecaniah
(1 Chronicles 3:22).
29 After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired.