Etymology and Meaning: The name Jerah'meel (Hebrew: יְרַחְמְאֵל, Yerachme'el) is understood to mean "May God have compassion" or "God will have mercy." This name reflects a common theme in Hebrew nomenclature, where names often express a prayer or hope for divine favor and compassion.

Biblical References:

1. Jerah'meel, Son of Hezron: Jerah'meel is first mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. He is identified as the firstborn son of Hezron. In 1 Chronicles 2:9, the Berean Standard Bible states, "The sons of Hezron who were born to him: Jerah'meel, Ram, and Caleb." Jerah'meel's lineage is further detailed in 1 Chronicles 2:25-27, where his descendants are listed, indicating his significance within the tribe of Judah. His family line is noted for its prominence and contribution to the tribe's history.

2. Jerah'meel, the Scribe: Another individual named Jerah'meel appears in the context of the prophet Jeremiah's ministry. In Jeremiah 36:26, the BSB records, "Then the king commanded Jerah'meel the son of the king, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them." This Jerah'meel is described as a son of the king, indicating a position of authority and influence. His role in attempting to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch highlights the opposition faced by the prophet during his ministry.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Jerah'meel, as a descendant of Hezron, holds a place in the genealogical records that underscore the continuity and faithfulness of God's promises to the tribe of Judah. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to connect the post-exilic community with their ancestral heritage, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

The mention of Jerah'meel, the scribe, in the narrative of Jeremiah provides insight into the political and religious tensions of the time. His involvement in the attempt to suppress Jeremiah's prophetic message illustrates the resistance to divine warnings and the challenges faced by God's messengers. This account serves as a reminder of the persistent struggle between divine truth and human authority.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, names carried significant meaning and were often reflective of the individual's character or destiny. The name Jerah'meel, invoking God's mercy, would have been a hopeful declaration for the individual and his family. The genealogical records in Chronicles emphasize the importance of lineage and heritage in maintaining the identity and faith of the Israelite community.

Legacy:

The legacy of Jerah'meel, both as a progenitor within the tribe of Judah and as a figure in the narrative of Jeremiah, contributes to the broader biblical themes of God's faithfulness, the importance of heritage, and the challenges of prophetic ministry. His presence in the biblical text serves as a testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people and the complexities of human response to divine revelation.Jerah'meel (8 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 2:9
The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him: Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:25
And the sons of Jerahmeel the first-born of Hezron were Ram the first-born, and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:26
And Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:27
And the sons of Ram the first-born of Jerahmeel were Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:33
And the sons of Jonathan: Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:42
And the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were Mesha his first-born, who was the father of Ziph, and the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 24:29
Of Kish: the sons of Kish, Jerahmeel.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:26
And the king commandeth Jerahmeel son of Hammelek, and Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Jehovah doth hide them.
(See RSV)

Jerah'meel (8 Occurrences)
Jerah'meel. Jerahmeel, Jerah'meel. Jerahmeelite . Multi-Version Concordance
Jerah'meel (8 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:9 The sons ...
/j/jerah'meel.htm - 8k

Jerahmeel (9 Occurrences)

/j/jerahmeel.htm - 11k

Jerahmeelite (1 Occurrence)

/j/jerahmeelite.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus