Meraiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the Levitical priesthood. His name appears in the context of the priestly lineage, highlighting the importance of maintaining a pure and unbroken line of descent among those who served in the temple.

Biblical References:

Meraiah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:12, which provides a record of the priests who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The verse states:

"And Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah; and Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; and their relatives, heads of their families—1,760 able men for the work of the service of the house of God." (1 Chronicles 9:12)

In this passage, Meraiah is not directly named, but he is part of the broader genealogical context that includes the priestly families. The mention of these families underscores the continuity and faithfulness of the Levitical line, which was crucial for the religious life of Israel.

Priestly Lineage:

The lineage of Meraiah is significant because it reflects the careful preservation of the priestly order. The priests were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and leading the people in worship. The genealogies in Chronicles serve to affirm the legitimacy and authority of the priestly families who returned from exile to restore the worship practices in Jerusalem.

Historical Context:

The return from Babylonian exile marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The rebuilding of the temple and the reestablishment of religious practices were central to the identity and spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. The genealogical records, including those mentioning Meraiah, were essential for validating the roles of those who served in the temple.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Meraiah within the priestly genealogies highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving His chosen people and their religious institutions. The continuity of the priestly line serves as a testament to God's covenantal promises and His provision for the spiritual leadership of Israel.

Conclusion:

While Meraiah himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical tradition. The careful documentation of priestly families reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people and the enduring significance of the Levitical priesthood in the life of Israel.Meraiah

(rebellion), a priest in the day of Joiakim. (Nehemiah 12:13)

Resistance, a chief priest, a contemporary of the high priest Joiakim (Nehemiah 12:12). MERAIAH

me-ra'-ya, me-ri'-a (merayah, "contumacious"): A priest in the time of Joiakim son of Jeshua, and head of the priestly house of Seraiah to which Ezra belonged (Nehemiah 12:12; compare Ezra 7:1).

4811. Merayah -- an Israelite priest
... Merayah. 4812 . an Israelite priest. Transliteration: Merayah Phonetic Spelling:
(mer-aw-yaw') Short Definition: Meraiah. ... priest NASB Word Usage Meraiah (1). ...
/hebrew/4811.htm - 6kMeraiah (1 Occurrence)
... 12:12). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MERAIAH. me-ra'-ya ... 7:1).
Multi-Version Concordance Meraiah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 12:12 ...
/m/meraiah.htm - 7k

Merai'ah (1 Occurrence)
Merai'ah. Meraiah, Merai'ah. Meraioth . Multi-Version Concordance Merai'ah
(1 Occurrence). ... Meraiah, Merai'ah. Meraioth . Reference Bible.
/m/merai'ah.htm - 6k

Seraiah (18 Occurrences)
... He is mentioned (under the name Azariah) also in 1 Chronicles 9:11. Nehemiah
12:2 adds that "in the days of Joiakim" the head of Seraiah's house was Meraiah. ...
/s/seraiah.htm - 17k

Merab (4 Occurrences)

/m/merab.htm - 11k

Joiakim (3 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:12 In the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses : of
Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/j/joiakim.htm - 7k

Jeremiah's (4 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses:
of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; (See NIV). ...
/j/jeremiah's.htm - 7k

Joi'akim (3 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses:
of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; (See RSV). ...
/j/joi'akim.htm - 7k

Priestly (16 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Nehemiah 12:12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of
fathers' houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; (See NIV). ...
/p/priestly.htm - 11k

Serai'ah (18 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses:
of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; (See RSV). ...
/s/serai'ah.htm - 11k

Seraiah's (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 12:12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses:
of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; (See NIV). ...
/s/seraiah's.htm - 6k

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