Azaniah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period. The name Azaniah means "Yahweh has heard" or "Yahweh listens," reflecting the theophoric nature of many Hebrew names, which often include a reference to God.

Biblical Reference:

Azaniah is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts of Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the community after the Babylonian exile. The specific reference to Azaniah is found in Nehemiah 10:9, where he is listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant. The Berean Standard Bible renders this verse as follows:

"Then the Levites: Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel,"

In this context, Azaniah is identified as the father of Jeshua, a Levite. The Levites were a significant tribe in Israel, set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. Jeshua, as a Levite, would have been involved in the spiritual and liturgical life of the community, and his inclusion in the covenant signifies the importance of the Levites in the religious restoration of Israel.

Historical and Religious Context:

The mention of Azaniah in Nehemiah occurs during a pivotal moment in Jewish history. After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people faced the challenge of rebuilding their society, both physically and spiritually. The covenant renewal, in which Azaniah's son Jeshua participated, was a reaffirmation of the people's commitment to the Mosaic Law and their identity as God's chosen people.

The sealing of the covenant was a communal act, involving leaders, priests, Levites, and the people, signifying a collective return to the covenantal relationship with God. This event underscores the importance of leadership and the role of the Levites in guiding the people in worship and adherence to the Law.

Theological Significance:

Azaniah's mention, though brief, highlights the continuity of faith and the transmission of religious duties across generations. The name itself, meaning "Yahweh has heard," serves as a reminder of God's attentiveness to His people and His willingness to respond to their cries, especially in times of distress and renewal.

In the broader narrative of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the renewal of the covenant symbolize the restoration of God's promises and the hope of redemption. Figures like Azaniah, through their descendants, play a part in this divine narrative, contributing to the reestablishment of a community centered on God's law and presence.

Conclusion:

While Azaniah is not a prominent figure in the biblical text, his inclusion in the genealogical and covenantal records of Nehemiah underscores the importance of every individual in the unfolding of God's plan for His people. His legacy, through his son Jeshua, is a testament to the enduring faith and commitment required to rebuild and sustain a community devoted to God.Azaniah

hearing the Lord; the Lord's weapons

Azaniah

(whom the Lord hears), the father or immediate ancestor of Jeshua the Levite, in the time of Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:9)

AZANIAH

az-a-ni'-a 'azanyah, ("Yahweh has given ear"): A son of Jeshua, a Levite who signed the covenant (Nehemiah 10:9).

245. Azanyah -- "Yah has heard," a Levite
... 244b, 245. Azanyah. 246 . "Yah has heard," a Levite. Transliteration: Azanyah
Phonetic Spelling: (az-an-yaw') Short Definition: Azaniah. ... Azaniah. ...
/hebrew/245.htm - 6kAzaniah (1 Occurrence)
...AZANIAH. az-a-ni'-a 'azanyah, ("Yahweh has given ear"): A son of Jeshua, a Levite
who signed the covenant (Nehemiah 10:9). ...Azaniah (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/azaniah.htm - 6k

Azani'ah (1 Occurrence)
Azani'ah. Azaniah, Azani'ah. Azaphion . ... Nehemiah 10:9 And the Levites: Jeshua
the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; (See RSV). ...
/a/azani'ah.htm - 6k

Jeshua (30 Occurrences)
... in Nehemiah 9:4 (compare 12:8) as leading in the worship, and in 10:9 (Hebrew 10)
as sealing the covenant; this Jeshua is called son of Azaniah (Nehemiah 10:9 ...
/j/jeshua.htm - 21k

Kad'mi-el (8 Occurrences)
... praise. (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:9 And the Levites: Jeshua the son of Azaniah,
Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; (See RSV). Nehemiah ...
/k/kad'mi-el.htm - 8k

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:9 The Levites: namely, Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons
of Henadad, Kadmiel; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/k/kadmiel.htm - 10k

Jeshuah (1 Occurrence)
... in Nehemiah 9:4 (compare 12:8) as leading in the worship, and in 10:9 (Hebrew 10)
as sealing the covenant; this Jeshua is called son of Azaniah (Nehemiah 10:9 ...
/j/jeshuah.htm - 9k

Binnui (7 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:9 The Levites: namely, Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons
of Henadad, Kadmiel; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/b/binnui.htm - 10k

Bin'nui (7 Occurrences)
... eight. (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:9 And the Levites: Jeshua the son of Azaniah,
Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; (See RSV). Nehemiah ...
/b/bin'nui.htm - 8k

Azali'ah (2 Occurrences)
Azali'ah. Azaliah, Azali'ah. Azaniah . Multi-Version Concordance Azali'ah
(2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Azaliah, Azali'ah. Azaniah . Reference Bible.
/a/azali'ah.htm - 7k

Namely (81 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:9 The Levites: namely, Jeshua the son of Azaniah,
Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; (WEB ASV). Nehemiah ...
/n/namely.htm - 31k

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