Anaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Nehemiah. The name Anaiah means "Yahweh has answered" or "Yahweh has heard," reflecting a common theme in Hebrew names that emphasize a relationship with God.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 8:4 : Anaiah is mentioned as one of the Levites who stood beside Ezra the scribe as he read the Law to the people of Israel. The verse states, "Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him, on his right, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam." This passage highlights Anaiah's role in the religious life of the post-exilic Jewish community, emphasizing the importance of the public reading and teaching of the Law.

2. Nehemiah 10:22 : Anaiah is also listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah. The verse reads, "Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah." This act of sealing the covenant was a significant moment in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem, as it represented a collective commitment to follow God's commandments and to live according to the Law of Moses.

Historical and Religious Context:

Anaiah lived during the time of the return from the Babylonian exile, a period marked by the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Jewish religious practices. The role of the Levites, including Anaiah, was crucial in this era as they were responsible for teaching the Law and leading the people in worship. The public reading of the Law by Ezra, with Anaiah and others standing by, was a pivotal event that reinforced the community's dedication to God's word.

The sealing of the covenant, in which Anaiah participated, was a formal and solemn agreement that underscored the community's resolve to adhere to the statutes and ordinances given by God. This covenant renewal was essential for the spiritual and social restoration of the Jewish people after their return from exile.

Significance:

Anaiah's presence in these key events highlights the importance of leadership and commitment to God's word in the life of the Jewish community. His involvement in the public reading of the Law and the sealing of the covenant reflects the broader theme of renewal and faithfulness that characterizes the post-exilic period. Anaiah's actions, along with those of his contemporaries, helped lay the foundation for the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people in the restored Jerusalem.Anaiah

(whom Jehovah answers).

1. Probably a priest. (Nehemiah 8:4)
2. One of the "heads of the people" who signed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:22)

ANAIAH

an-a-i'-a, a-ni'-a (`anayah, "Yah has answered"):

(1) a Levite who assisted Ezra in reading the law to the people (Nehemiah 8:4), perhaps the person called Ananias in Esdras 9:43.

(2) One of those who sealed the covenant (Nehemiah 10:22). He may have been the same as Anaiah (1).

6043. Anayah -- an Israelite
... 6042, 6043. Anayah. 6044 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Anayah Phonetic Spelling:
(an-aw-yaw') Short Definition: Anaiah. ... NASB Word Usage Anaiah (2). Anaiah ...
/hebrew/6043.htm - 6k

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... law.4. And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for
the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

Anaiah (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANAIAH. ... (2) One of those who sealed the covenant
(Nehemiah 10:22). He may have been the same as Anaiah (1). ...
/a/anaiah.htm - 7k

Anai'ah (2 Occurrences)
Anai'ah. Anaiah, Anai'ah. Anak . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See RSV). Nehemiah
10:22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah; (See RSV). Anaiah, Anai'ah. Anak . ...
/a/anai'ah.htm - 6k

Wooden (18 Occurrences)
... 8:4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the
purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah ...
/w/wooden.htm - 12k

Mishael (8 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 8:4 Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for
the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah ...
/m/mishael.htm - 10k

Mattithiah (8 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 8:4 Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for
the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah ...
/m/mattithiah.htm - 11k

Malchi'jah (12 Occurrences)
... 8:4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the
purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah ...
/m/malchi'jah.htm - 9k

Meshul'lam (23 Occurrences)
... 8:4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the
purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah ...
/m/meshul'lam.htm - 12k

Malchijah (15 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 8:4 Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for
the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah ...
/m/malchijah.htm - 14k

Mattithi'ah (8 Occurrences)
... 8:4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the
purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah ...
/m/mattithi'ah.htm - 8k

Ma-asei'ah (23 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 8:4 Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for
the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah ...
/m/ma-asei'ah.htm - 13k

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