Ahi'kam, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is recognized for his role during the tumultuous period of Judah's history. His name, meaning "My brother has risen" or "My brother has established," reflects the familial and supportive nature often attributed to him in the biblical narrative. Ahi'kam was the son of Shaphan, a scribe and a prominent official in the court of King Josiah of Judah.

Biblical References:

1. Role in Josiah's Reforms:
Ahi'kam is first mentioned in the context of King Josiah's religious reforms. In 2 Kings 22:12, Ahi'kam is one of the officials sent by King Josiah to consult the prophetess Huldah regarding the Book of the Law found in the temple. The passage states: "Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: 'Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.'"

2. Support for Jeremiah:
Ahi'kam is also noted for his support of the prophet Jeremiah during a time of great opposition. In Jeremiah 26:24, it is recorded: "Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death." This act of protection highlights Ahi'kam's courage and his commitment to justice and truth, even when it was unpopular or dangerous.

3. Family Legacy:
Ahi'kam's influence extended beyond his own actions, as his family continued to play a significant role in Judah's history. His son, Gedaliah, was appointed governor over the cities of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, after the fall of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:22). This appointment underscores the trust and respect that the Babylonian authorities had for Ahi'kam's family, likely due to Ahi'kam's own reputation and service.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Ahi'kam's life and actions are emblematic of faithfulness and integrity in the service of God and king. His involvement in Josiah's reforms and his defense of Jeremiah illustrate his commitment to the spiritual and moral renewal of Judah. Ahi'kam's support for Jeremiah, in particular, demonstrates the importance of standing by God's prophets and upholding divine truth, even in the face of societal pressure and potential personal risk.

Ahi'kam's legacy is further cemented through his son Gedaliah, whose governorship represents a continuation of Ahi'kam's values and influence. The narrative of Ahi'kam serves as a reminder of the impact that one individual's faithfulness can have on their community and future generations, aligning with the biblical theme of God's providence and the importance of righteous leadership.Ahi'kam (19 Occurrences)

2 Kings 22:12
And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying:
(See RSV)

2 Kings 22:14
So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe--now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the second quarter--and they spoke with her.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 25:22
And as for the people that were left in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, governor.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 34:20
And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying:
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 26:24
Only, the hand of Ahikam son of Shaphan hath been with Jeremiah so as not to give him up into the hand of the people to put him to death.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 39:14
yea, they send and take Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and give him unto Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, to carry him home, and he dwelleth in the midst of the people.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:5
and while he doth not reply -- 'Or turn back unto Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath appointed over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him in the midst of the people, or whithersoever it is right in thine eyes to go -- go.' And the chief of the executioners giveth to him for the way, and a gift, and sendeth him away,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:6
and Jeremiah cometh in unto Gedaliah son of Ahikam, to Mizpah, and dwelleth with him, in the midst of the people who are left in the land.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:7
And all the heads of the forces that 'are' in the field hear, they and their men, that the king of Babylon hath appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land, and that he hath charged him 'with' men, and women, and infants, and of the poor of the land, of those who have not been removed to Babylon;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:9
And swear to them doth Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, and to their men, saying, 'Be not afraid of serving the Chaldeans, abide in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it is well for you;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:11
And also all the Jews who 'are' in Moab, and among the sons of Ammon, and in Edom, and who 'are' in all the lands, have heard that the king of Babylon hath given a remnant to Judah, and that he hath appointed over them Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:14
and they say unto him, 'Dost thou really know that Baalis king of the sons of Ammon hath sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to smite thy soul?' And Gedaliah son of Ahikam hath not given to them credence.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:16
And Gedaliah son of Ahikam saith unto Johanan son of Kareah, 'Thou dost not do this thing, for falsehood thou art speaking concerning Ishmael.'
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:1
And it cometh to pass, in the seventh month, come hath Ishmael son of Nethaniah, son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and of the chiefs of the king, and ten men with him, unto Gedaliah son of Ahikam, to Mizpah, and they eat there bread together in Mizpah.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:2
And Ishmael son of Nethaniah riseth, and the ten men who have been with him, and they smite Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, with the sword, and he putteth him to death whom the king of Babylon hath appointed over the land.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:6
And Ishmael son of Nethaniah goeth forth to meet them, from Mizpah, going on and weeping, and it cometh to pass, at meeting them, that he saith unto them, 'Come in unto Gedaliah son of Ahikam.'
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:10
And Ishmael taketh captive all the remnant of the people who 'are' in Mizpah, the daughters of the king, and all the people who are left in Mizpah, whom Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners, hath committed 'to' Gedaliah son of Ahikam, and Ishmael son of Nethaniah taketh them captive, and goeth to pass over unto the sons of Ammon.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:16
And Johanan son of Kareah, and all the heads of the forces who 'are' with him, take all the remnant of the people whom he hath brought back from Ishmael son of Nethaniah, from Mizpah -- after he had smitten Gedaliah son of Ahikam -- mighty ones, men of war, and women, and infants, and eunuchs, whom he had brought back from Gibeon,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:18
from the presence of the Chaldeans, for they have been afraid of them, for Ishmael son of Nethaniah had smitten Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.
(See RSV)

Ahi'kam (19 Occurrences)
Ahi'kam. Ahikam, Ahi'kam. Ahilud . Multi-Version Concordance Ahi'kam
(19 Occurrences). 2 Kings 22:12 And the king commanded Hilkiah ...
/a/ahi'kam.htm - 12k

Ahilud (5 Occurrences)

/a/ahilud.htm - 8k

Ahikam (20 Occurrences)

/a/ahikam.htm - 16k

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