Igdaliah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. His name, which can be translated as "Yahweh is great," reflects the theophoric nature common in Hebrew names, indicating a connection to the divine.

Biblical Reference:

Igdaliah is mentioned in Jeremiah 35:4, which states: "I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the officials, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah son of Shallum, the doorkeeper."

Context and Significance:

The context of this passage is a narrative involving the prophet Jeremiah and the Rechabites, a nomadic group known for their strict adherence to a vow of abstinence from wine and a lifestyle of simplicity. Jeremiah uses the Rechabites as an object lesson for the people of Judah, highlighting their obedience in contrast to Judah's disobedience to God's commands.

Igdaliah is described as "a man of God," a title that signifies his piety and dedication to the service of Yahweh. This designation is significant, as it is used sparingly in the Old Testament and typically refers to individuals who have a special relationship with God, often involving prophetic or priestly roles. Although the text does not provide extensive details about Igdaliah's life or deeds, this title suggests that he was a respected figure within the religious community of his time.

Historical and Theological Insights:

The mention of Igdaliah in the context of the Rechabite narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. His association with the "sons of Hanan" and the location of their chamber within the temple complex indicate a connection to the religious leadership and activities in Jerusalem. This setting highlights the centrality of the temple as a place of worship and instruction, where the covenantal relationship between God and His people was to be upheld.

From a theological perspective, Igdaliah's inclusion in the narrative serves as a reminder of the remnant of faithful individuals within Israel who remained committed to God's ways, even amidst widespread apostasy. His example, though briefly mentioned, contributes to the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant and the call for His people to respond in kind.

Conclusion:

While Igdaliah is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as "a man of God" in the Book of Jeremiah provides insight into the religious life of ancient Israel and the enduring call to faithfulness and obedience to Yahweh. His legacy, though subtle, is preserved in the scriptural record as a testament to the importance of living a life dedicated to God's service.Igdaliah

the greatness of the Lord

Igdaliah

(whom Jehovah makes great), a prophet or holy man --"the man of God" --named once only, (Jeremiah 36:4) as the father of Hanan. (B.C. before 406.)

IGDALIAH

ig-da-li'-a (yighdalyahu, "Yah is great"): Ancestor of certain persons who had a "chamber" in the temple in Jeremiah's time (Jeremiah 35:4).

3012. Yigdalyahu -- "Yah is great," an Israelite prophet
... Yigdalyahu. 3013 . "Yah is great," an Israelite prophet. Transliteration: Yigdalyahu
Phonetic Spelling: (yig-dal-yaw'-hoo) Short Definition: Igdaliah. ... Igdaliah ...
/hebrew/3012.htm - 6kIgdaliah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia IGDALIAH. ig-da-li'-a (yighdalyahu ... 35:4).
Multi-Version Concordance Igdaliah (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 35:4 ...
/i/igdaliah.htm - 7k

Igdali'ah (1 Occurrence)
Igdali'ah. Igdaliah, Igdali'ah. Igeal . Multi-Version Concordance Igdali'ah
(1 Occurrence). ... Igdaliah, Igdali'ah. Igeal . Reference Bible.
/i/igdali'ah.htm - 6k

Hanan (19 Occurrences)
... (9) A son of Igdaliah, "the man of God," whose sons had a chamber in the temple
at Jerusalem (Jeremiah 35:4). Byron H. Dement. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/h/hanan.htm - 14k

Igal (3 Occurrences)

/i/igal.htm - 8k

Ma-asei'ah (23 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:4 and I brought them into the house of Yahweh, into the chamber of the
sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was by the chamber ...
/m/ma-asei'ah.htm - 13k

Threshold (28 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:4 and I brought them into the house of Yahweh, into the chamber of the
sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was by the chamber ...
/t/threshold.htm - 18k

Doorkeeper (8 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:4 and I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of
the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was by the ...
/d/doorkeeper.htm - 13k

Maaseiah (25 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:4 and I brought them into the house of Yahweh, into the chamber of the
sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was by the chamber ...
/m/maaseiah.htm - 19k

Shallum (27 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:4 and I brought them into the house of Yahweh, into the chamber of the
sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was by the chamber ...
/s/shallum.htm - 22k

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