Topical Encyclopedia Jeberechiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Isaiah. His name in Hebrew, יְבֶרֶכְיָהוּ (Yeberekyahu), means "Yahweh blesses" or "Blessed of the Lord." Jeberechiah is noted for his role as the father of Zechariah, who is identified as a witness in a significant prophetic event.Biblical Reference: Jeberechiah is mentioned in Isaiah 8:2, which states: "And I will appoint for Myself trustworthy witnesses—Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberechiah." . This verse is part of a larger narrative where the prophet Isaiah is instructed by God to take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen. The witnesses, Uriah and Zechariah, are appointed to attest to the authenticity of the prophecy concerning Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, Isaiah's son, whose name symbolizes the impending judgment and swift plunder of Damascus and Samaria by the Assyrian empire. Historical and Theological Context: The mention of Jeberechiah occurs during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, a time marked by political turmoil and threats from neighboring nations. The prophecy in which Jeberechiah's son, Zechariah, serves as a witness is part of God's message to Judah, assuring them of His sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word despite the apparent chaos. Jeberechiah's inclusion in the biblical narrative, though brief, underscores the importance of credible witnesses in the prophetic tradition of Israel. The role of witnesses was crucial in establishing the validity of a prophetic message, ensuring that the words spoken were not only remembered but also verified by respected individuals within the community. Cultural and Religious Significance: In the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, names held significant meaning, often reflecting the character or destiny of an individual. Jeberechiah's name, meaning "Yahweh blesses," may suggest a family heritage of faithfulness and devotion to God. This is further implied by his son's involvement in a divine revelation, indicating a household that was likely respected and trusted within the community. The presence of Jeberechiah in the biblical text, though limited to a single mention, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of individuals within God's redemptive history. Each person, regardless of the extent of their biblical record, plays a part in the unfolding of God's plan for His people. Conclusion: While Jeberechiah himself does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of Zechariah in Isaiah 8:2 highlights the importance of faithful witnesses in the transmission and validation of God's prophetic word. His legacy, though brief in the scriptural account, is preserved through the role of his son in the prophetic ministry of Isaiah. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Jeberechiahspeaking well of, or kneeling to, the Lord Smith's Bible Dictionary Jeberechiah(whom Jehovah blesses), father of a certain Zechariah, in the reign of Ahaz, mentioned (Isaiah 8:2) (B.C. about 739.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JEBERECHIAHje-ber-e-ki'-a (yebherekhyahu, "Yah blesses"): The father of the Zechariah whom Isaiah (8:2) took as a witness of his prophecy against Syria and Ephraim (circa 734 B.C.). Strong's Hebrew 3000. Yeberekyahu -- "Yah blesses," the name of several Israelites... "Yah blesses," the name of several Israelites. Transliteration: Yeberekyahu Phonetic Spelling: (yeb-eh-rek-yaw'-hoo) Short Definition: Jeberechiah. ... Jeberechiah. ... /hebrew/3000.htm - 6k Thesaurus Jeberechiah (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JEBERECHIAH. je-ber-e-ki'-a ... 734 BC). Multi-Version Concordance Jeberechiah (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 8:2 ... /j/jeberechiah.htm - 7k Jeberechi'ah (1 Occurrence) Jeberekiah (1 Occurrence) Jeathrai (1 Occurrence) Reliable (8 Occurrences) Uri'ah (32 Occurrences) Urijah (29 Occurrences) Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences) Zechariah (55 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Jeberechiah (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 8:2 Subtopics Jeberechiah: Father of Zechariah Related Terms |