Hachaliah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. He is recognized primarily as the father of Nehemiah, who played a significant role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. The name Hachaliah is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is uncertain, it is often associated with the idea of "whom Jehovah enlightens" or "wait for the Lord."

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 1:1 : "The words of Nehemiah son of Hachaliah: In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa..." This verse introduces Nehemiah and identifies him as the son of Hachaliah. It sets the stage for the narrative of Nehemiah's leadership in the restoration of Jerusalem.

2. Nehemiah 10:1 : "Now these were the ones who sealed the document: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hachaliah, and Zedekiah..." Here, Hachaliah is again mentioned as Nehemiah's father, underscoring Nehemiah's lineage and his role in the covenant renewal ceremony.

Historical and Theological Context:

Hachaliah lived during a pivotal period in Jewish history, marked by the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent efforts to restore Jerusalem. Although Hachaliah himself is not described in detail, his mention as Nehemiah's father places him within the context of a family committed to the spiritual and physical restoration of their people.

Nehemiah, Hachaliah's son, is a central figure in the post-exilic period, known for his leadership, administrative skills, and deep faith in God. The mention of Hachaliah serves to provide a genealogical anchor for Nehemiah, emphasizing the importance of family heritage and continuity in the biblical narrative.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In the Jewish tradition, names often carry significant meaning and reflect the character or destiny of individuals. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Hachaliah's life or character, his inclusion in the genealogical record highlights the importance of family lineage in the Jewish faith. It also underscores the role of faithful families in the preservation and continuation of God's covenant with Israel.

Hachaliah's mention in the Book of Nehemiah serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of personal faith and communal responsibility. His legacy, through Nehemiah, is one of dedication to God's purposes and the rebuilding of a community centered on worship and obedience to the Lord.

Conclusion:

While Hachaliah himself is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical text, his significance is magnified through his son Nehemiah's contributions to the Jewish community. His mention in the Scriptures serves as a testament to the enduring impact of faithful families in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people.Hachaliah

who waits for the Lord

Hachaliah

(whom Jehovah enlightens), the father of Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 1:1; 10:1)

2446. Chakalyah -- perhaps "wait for Yah," father of Nehemiah
... Hachaliah. From the base of chakliyl and Yahh; darkness of Jah; Chakaljah, an Israelite
-- Hachaliah. see HEBREW chakliyl. see HEBREW Yahh. 2445, 2446. ...
/hebrew/2446.htm - 6k

A Reformer's Schooling
... THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH A REFORMER'S SCHOOLING. 'The words of Nehemiah the
son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a reformers schooling.htm

Hachaliah (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hachaliah (2 Occurrences). Nehemiah 1:1 The words
of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass ...
/h/hachaliah.htm - 7k

Hachilah (3 Occurrences)

/h/hachilah.htm - 9k

Zedeki'ah (62 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that set their seal were: Nehemiah the Tirshatha,
the son of Hachaliah, and Zedekiah; (See RSV). Jeremiah ...
/z/zedeki'ah.htm - 25k

Zidkijah (1 Occurrence)
... Zidkijah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the
Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/z/zidkijah.htm - 7k

Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that set their seal were: Nehemiah the
Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zedekiah; (See RSV). ...
/n/nehemi'ah.htm - 8k

Nehemiah (9 Occurrences)
... (2.) Nehemiah 3:16. (3.) The son of Hachaliah (Nehemiah 1:1), and probably
of the tribe of Judah. His family must have belonged ...
/n/nehemiah.htm - 24k

Tirshatha (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT). Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the
Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, (KJV JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT). ...
/t/tirshatha.htm - 10k

Chisleu (2 Occurrences)
... CHISLEU; CHISLEV. kis'-lu, kis'-lev. See KISLEV. Multi-Version Concordance Chisleu
(2 Occurrences). Nehemiah 1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. ...
/c/chisleu.htm - 7k

Haccherem (2 Occurrences)

/h/haccherem.htm - 7k

Hacali'ah (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that set their seal were: Nehemiah the Tirshatha, the son
of Hachaliah, and Zedekiah; (See RSV). Hacaliah, Hacali'ah. Haccherem . ...
/h/hacali'ah.htm - 6k

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