Jehiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Levitical duties during the reign of King David. His name, Jehiah, is understood to mean "Jehovah lives" or "Yahweh lives," reflecting the theophoric nature of many Hebrew names, which often include elements of God's name to signify devotion or divine purpose.

Biblical References:

Jehiah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:24, where he is listed among the gatekeepers for the Ark of the Covenant. The passage reads: "Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer the priests blew the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also to be gatekeepers for the ark."

Role and Duties:

In the context of 1 Chronicles 15, Jehiah's role as a gatekeeper was significant. The gatekeepers were responsible for the security and proper handling of the Ark of the Covenant, which was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's presence among His people. The Ark was being transported to Jerusalem, and King David had organized a grand procession to ensure it was done with reverence and according to divine instructions.

Gatekeepers like Jehiah were tasked with maintaining order and ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean and authorized could approach the Ark. This role required a deep sense of responsibility and reverence for God's holiness. The inclusion of Jehiah in this list underscores his importance in the religious life of Israel during this pivotal moment.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Jehiah's mention, though brief, highlights the structured and organized nature of worship in ancient Israel. The Levites, to whom Jehiah belonged, were set apart for specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple. This organization reflects the importance of holiness and order in worship, as prescribed by God.

Theologically, Jehiah's role as a gatekeeper can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament understanding of believers as guardians of the faith and the presence of God. Just as Jehiah and his fellow gatekeepers protected the sanctity of the Ark, Christians are called to uphold the truth of the Gospel and live lives that reflect God's holiness.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, names were often given with the hope or expectation that the individual would embody the meaning of their name. Jehiah's name, meaning "Jehovah lives," would have been a constant reminder of God's enduring presence and faithfulness to His people. This cultural practice of naming underscores the deep connection between identity and divine purpose in the biblical narrative.

Jehiah's service as a gatekeeper during the transportation of the Ark to Jerusalem was a momentous occasion, marking the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious center of Israel. This event set the stage for the eventual building of the Temple by Solomon, David's son, further solidifying the centrality of worship in the life of the nation.

Conclusion:

While Jehiah's mention in the Bible is brief, his role as a gatekeeper for the Ark of the Covenant places him within the larger narrative of Israel's history and worship. His service exemplifies the dedication and reverence required of those who served in the presence of God, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.Jehiah

the Lord liveth

Jehiah

(Jehovah lives), "doorkeeper for the ark" at the time of its establishment in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 15:24) (B.C. 1043.)

JEHIAH

je-hi'-a (yechiyah, "may Yahweh live!"): Keeper of the ark with Obed-edom (1 Chronicles 15:24), but in verse 18 the name is ye`i'el, JEIEL (which see)

3174. Yechiyyah -- "may Yah live," an Israelite
... "may Yah live," an Israelite. Transliteration: Yechiyyah Phonetic Spelling:
(yekh-ee-yaw') Short Definition: Jehiah. ... NASB Word Usage Jehiah (1). Jehiah. ...
/hebrew/3174.htm - 6kJehiah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JEHIAH. je-hi'-a (yechiyah ... which see).
Multi-Version Concordance Jehiah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/j/jehiah.htm - 7k

Jehi'ah (1 Occurrence)
Jehi'ah. Jehiah, Jehi'ah. Jehiel . Multi-Version Concordance Jehi'ah (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Jehiah, Jehi'ah. Jehiel . Reference Bible.
/j/jehi'ah.htm - 6k

Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences)
... and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with
the trumpets before the ark of God; and Obed-edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers ...
/z/zechari'ah.htm - 20k

Nethaneel (14 Occurrences)
... and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with
the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers ...
/n/nethaneel.htm - 11k

Nethan'el (14 Occurrences)
... and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with
the trumpets before the ark of God; and Obed-edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers ...
/n/nethan'el.htm - 10k

Nethanel (14 Occurrences)
... and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow the trumpets
before the ark of God: and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for ...
/n/nethanel.htm - 12k

O'bed-e'dom (14 Occurrences)
... and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow the trumpets
before the ark of God: and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for ...
/o/o'bed-e'dom.htm - 10k

Josh'aphat (2 Occurrences)
... and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with
the trumpets before the ark of God; and Obed-edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers ...
/j/josh'aphat.htm - 7k

Joshaphat (2 Occurrences)
... and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow the trumpets
before the ark of God: and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for ...
/j/joshaphat.htm - 7k

Jehez'kel (1 Occurrence)
Jehez'kel. Jehezkel, Jehez'kel. Jehiah . ... 1 Chronicles 24:16 the nineteenth to
Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel; (See RSV). Jehezkel, Jehez'kel. Jehiah...
/j/jehez'kel.htm - 6k

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