Azaliah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His name, Azaliah, is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh has reserved" or "Yahweh has set apart," reflecting the theocentric nature of Hebrew names and their significance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical Reference:

Azaliah is mentioned in 2 Kings 22:3 and 2 Chronicles 34:8. In these passages, he is identified as the father of Shaphan, the scribe. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account:

· 2 Kings 22:3 : "In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, the king sent the scribe Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD, saying..."

· 2 Chronicles 34:8 : "In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, to purify the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God."

Historical and Religious Context:

Azaliah lived during a pivotal time in Judah's history, during the reign of King Josiah, who is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh. Josiah's reign is marked by a return to the covenantal faithfulness that had been neglected by previous kings. The role of Azaliah's son, Shaphan, as a scribe, was crucial in the rediscovery of the Book of the Law during the temple renovations ordered by Josiah. This discovery led to significant religious reforms and a national renewal of the covenant with God.

Family Lineage:

Azaliah is part of a lineage that includes Meshullam, his father, and Shaphan, his son. Shaphan's role as a scribe and his involvement in the religious reforms under Josiah highlight the importance of Azaliah's family in the spiritual and administrative life of Judah. The mention of Azaliah in the genealogical record underscores the significance of family heritage and the transmission of faith and duty across generations.

Theological Significance:

While Azaliah himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of individuals within God's redemptive history. His lineage, particularly through Shaphan, played a part in the preservation and promotion of the worship of Yahweh during a time of national apostasy and reform. The role of Azaliah's family in the rediscovery of the Law highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's word, themes that resonate throughout the biblical text.

Azaliah's mention in the Bible, though brief, is a testament to the enduring impact of faithful individuals and families in the unfolding of God's plan for His people.Azali'ah (2 Occurrences)

2 Kings 22:3
And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 34:8
Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
(See RSV)

Azali'ah (2 Occurrences)
Azali'ah. Azaliah, Azali'ah. Azaniah . Multi-Version Concordance
Azali'ah (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 22:3 And it came to pass in the ...
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Azaliah (3 Occurrences)

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Azaniah (1 Occurrence)

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