Topical Encyclopedia Hazaiah is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. His name appears in the context of the post-exilic period, a time when the Israelites were returning from Babylonian captivity and re-establishing their community and religious practices in Jerusalem and the surrounding regions.Biblical Reference: Hazaiah is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts of Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the spiritual and social order of the Jewish people. The specific reference to Hazaiah is found in Nehemiah 11:5: "And Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of the Shilonite." (Nehemiah 11:5) This verse is part of a larger passage that lists the inhabitants of Jerusalem, highlighting the families and individuals who took part in the repopulation and restoration efforts. Hazaiah is noted as an ancestor in the lineage of Maaseiah, indicating his place within the genealogical framework of the post-exilic community. Historical and Theological Context: The mention of Hazaiah occurs during a significant period in Jewish history. After the Babylonian exile, the return to Jerusalem marked a time of rebuilding and renewal. The genealogies recorded in books like Nehemiah served not only to document the lineage of those who returned but also to establish continuity with the pre-exilic community. This was crucial for maintaining the identity and heritage of the Jewish people. Hazaiah's inclusion in the genealogical record underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the Jewish tradition. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, preserving their identity through generations despite periods of judgment and exile. Name Meaning and Significance: The name Hazaiah is derived from Hebrew, and like many biblical names, it carries a meaning that reflects the character or hope associated with the individual. "Hazaiah" can be understood to mean "Yahweh has seen" or "Yahweh has perceived." This name may suggest a recognition of God's watchful presence and providence over the lives of His people, even during times of hardship and displacement. Role in the Community: While Hazaiah himself is not described in detail, his mention in the genealogical record indicates his family's involvement in the restoration of Jerusalem. The descendants of Hazaiah, including Maaseiah, played a role in the re-establishment of the community, contributing to the religious and civic life of the city. This involvement would have been vital for the spiritual renewal and social cohesion of the returning exiles. In summary, Hazaiah is a figure whose mention in the Bible serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and the continuity of God's people through challenging times. His place in the genealogical record of Nehemiah highlights the importance of family heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to His covenant community. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary HazaiahSmith's Bible Dictionary Hazaiah(whom Jehovah sees), a man of Judah of the family of the Shilonites, or descendants of Shelah. (Nehemiah 11:5) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAZAIAHha-za'-ya (chazayah, "Jah sees"): Among the inhabitants of Jerusalem mentioned in the list of Judahites in Nehemiah 11:5. Strong's Hebrew 2382. Chazayah -- "Yah has seen," a descendant of Judah... Chazayah. 2383 . "Yah has seen," a descendant of Judah. Transliteration: Chazayah Phonetic Spelling: (khaz-aw-yaw') Short Definition: Hazaiah. ... Hazaiah. ... /hebrew/2382.htm - 6k Thesaurus Hazaiah (1 Occurrence)...HAZAIAH. ha-za'-ya (chazayah, "Jah sees"): Among the inhabitants of Jerusalem mentioned in the list of Judahites in Nehemiah 11:5. ...Hazaiah (1 Occurrence). ... /h/hazaiah.htm - 7k Hazai'ah (1 Occurrence) Haz'ael (21 Occurrences) Joi'arib (5 Occurrences) Joiarib (5 Occurrences) Masseiah (4 Occurrences) Ma-asei'ah (23 Occurrences) Colhozeh (2 Occurrences) Col-hozeh (2 Occurrences) Col-ho'zeh (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Hazaiah (1 Occurrence)Nehemiah 11:5 Subtopics Hazaiah: A Man of the Tribe of Judah Related Terms |
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