Chena'anah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the prophetic narratives during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. The name Chena'anah is of Hebrew origin, meaning "trader" or "merchant," though the etymology does not play a significant role in the biblical account.

Biblical References:

Chena'anah is primarily known as the father of Zedekiah, one of the prophets who served in the court of King Ahab. The key passage involving Chena'anah is found in 1 Kings 22 and its parallel account in 2 Chronicles 18. These chapters describe the events leading up to the battle at Ramoth-gilead, where King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah sought to reclaim the city from the Arameans.

1. 1 Kings 22:11 : "Now Zedekiah son of Chena'anah had made for himself horns of iron and declared, 'This is what the LORD says: With these you will gore the Arameans until they are destroyed.'"

2. 2 Chronicles 18:10 : "Now Zedekiah son of Chena'anah had made for himself horns of iron and declared, 'This is what the LORD says: With these you will gore the Arameans until they are destroyed.'"

In these passages, Zedekiah, the son of Chena'anah, is depicted as one of the false prophets who assured King Ahab of victory against the Arameans. Zedekiah's dramatic use of iron horns symbolized the strength and assured success of Israel in the upcoming battle, claiming divine endorsement for the military campaign.

Theological Significance:

The account of Chena'anah's son, Zedekiah, highlights the tension between true and false prophecy in ancient Israel. The narrative contrasts the false assurances given by Zedekiah and other court prophets with the true prophecy of Micaiah, the son of Imlah, who foretold disaster for Ahab. This account underscores the importance of discerning genuine divine revelation from misleading human proclamations.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The role of prophets in the ancient Near East was significant, as they were often consulted by kings for divine guidance in matters of state, including warfare. The presence of multiple prophets, such as Zedekiah, in Ahab's court reflects the common practice of seeking favorable omens and assurances before engaging in battle. The use of symbolic acts, like the iron horns crafted by Zedekiah, was a typical method employed by prophets to convey their messages vividly.

Lessons and Reflections:

The account involving Chena'anah's son serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of heeding false prophets and the consequences of ignoring true divine warnings. It invites readers to reflect on the nature of true prophecy and the need for spiritual discernment. The narrative also illustrates the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations, as His purposes ultimately prevail despite human attempts to manipulate or predict outcomes.

In summary, while Chena'anah himself is not a central figure, his mention in the biblical text is significant due to his son's role in the dramatic events surrounding King Ahab's ill-fated campaign. The account serves as a reminder of the enduring themes of truth, prophecy, and divine sovereignty in the biblical narrative.Chena'anah (5 Occurrences)

1 Kings 22:11
And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron, and said: 'Thus saith the LORD: With these shalt thou gore the Arameans, until they be consumed.'
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:24
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah on the check, and said: 'Which way went the spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?'
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 7:10
And the sons of Jediael: Bilhan; and the sons of Bilhan: Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tarshish, and Ahishahar.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:10
And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron, and said: 'Thus saith the LORD: With these shalt thou gore the Arameans, until they be consumed.'
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:23
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the check, and said: 'Which way went the spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?'
(See RSV)

Chena'anah (5 Occurrences)
Chena'anah. Chenaanah, Chena'anah. Chenaiah . Multi-Version Concordance
Chena'anah (5 Occurrences). 1 Kings 22:11 And Zedekiah the ...
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Chenaanah (5 Occurrences)

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Chenaiah

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