Etymology and Meaning:
The name Hodaviah is of Hebrew origin, meaning "praise of Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my praise." This name reflects a common practice in ancient Israel of incorporating the name of God (Yahweh) into personal names, signifying a relationship or attribute associated with God.

Biblical References:
Hodaviah is a name that appears several times in the Old Testament, associated with different individuals across various genealogies and contexts.

1. Hodaviah, a Leader of the Tribe of Manasseh:
In 1 Chronicles 5:24, Hodaviah is mentioned as one of the leaders of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. The verse states: "These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families."

2. Hodaviah, a Descendant of Benjamin:
Another Hodaviah is listed among the descendants of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 9:7. This passage provides a genealogical record of the Benjamites who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile: "From the Benjamites: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah."

3. Hodaviah, a Levite Ancestor:
In Ezra 2:40 and Nehemiah 7:43, Hodaviah is mentioned as an ancestor of a family of Levites who returned from the Babylonian exile. The Berean Standard Bible records: "The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (through the line of Hodaviah), 74."

Historical and Theological Context:
The name Hodaviah appears in contexts that highlight the restoration and continuity of Israel's tribal and religious identity. The references to Hodaviah in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah underscore the importance of lineage and heritage in post-exilic Israel. These genealogies served to re-establish the community's connection to its ancestral roots and to affirm the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

The mention of Hodaviah in the context of the Levites is particularly significant. The Levites held a special role in Israelite society as the tribe set apart for religious duties and temple service. The return of the Levites, including those descended from Hodaviah, was crucial for the re-establishment of proper worship and religious practices in Jerusalem after the exile.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
The recurrence of the name Hodaviah in various tribal and familial contexts reflects the broader cultural and religious practice of naming children in a way that acknowledges and honors God. Names like Hodaviah served as a constant reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with Yahweh and their duty to live in a manner that praises and glorifies Him.

In summary, Hodaviah is a name that appears in the Old Testament associated with leaders, genealogies, and the restoration of Israel's religious life. Each mention of Hodaviah contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and underscores the enduring significance of names that honor God.Hodavi'ah (3 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 5:24
And these were the heads of their fathers' houses: Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, heads of their fathers' houses.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 9:7
And of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah,
(See RSV)

Ezra 2:40
The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.
(See RSV)

Hodavi'ah (3 Occurrences)
Hodavi'ah. Hodaviah, Hodavi'ah. Hod'avi'ah . Multi-Version Concordance
Hodavi'ah (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 5:24 And these were ...
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Hodaviah (6 Occurrences)

/h/hodaviah.htm - 9k

Hod'avi'ah (1 Occurrence)
Hod'avi'ah. Hodavi'ah, Hod'avi'ah. Hodeiah . Multi-Version Concordance
Hod'avi'ah (1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Hodavi'ah, Hod'avi'ah. Hodeiah . Reference ...
/h/hod'avi'ah.htm - 6k

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