Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Moadiah" is believed to mean "The Lord is my festival" or "Appointed by the Lord." It reflects a sense of divine appointment or celebration, which is consistent with the roles and responsibilities often associated with the Levites in the Old Testament.Biblical References: Moadiah is mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, specifically in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name appears in the book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the community of Israel after their return from captivity. Nehemiah 12:17 : "of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin and of Moadiah, Piltai;" In this passage, Moadiah is listed among the priestly divisions that were established during the time of Nehemiah. The mention of Moadiah in this context highlights the importance of re-establishing the priestly and Levitical orders as part of the restoration of worship and religious practices in Jerusalem. Historical Context: The return from Babylonian exile was a significant period in Jewish history, marked by the rebuilding of the Temple and the re-establishment of religious and social structures. The priests and Levites played a crucial role in this process, as they were responsible for leading the people in worship and maintaining the sacrificial system. The inclusion of Moadiah in the genealogical records underscores the continuity of the priestly line and the importance of maintaining the traditions and laws given to Israel. Role and Significance: As a member of the priestly division, Moadiah would have been involved in the religious life of the community, participating in the Temple services and ensuring the proper observance of the Law. The priests were seen as mediators between God and the people, and their role was vital in preserving the spiritual integrity of the nation. Theological Implications: The mention of Moadiah and other priests in the post-exilic records serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His promises. Despite the challenges and disruptions of exile, the restoration of the priestly line signifies the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. It also highlights the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands as central to the identity and mission of His people. Conclusion: The brief mention of Moadiah in the book of Nehemiah is a testament to the continuity and resilience of the priestly tradition in Israel. It reflects the broader themes of restoration, faithfulness, and divine appointment that are woven throughout the narrative of the post-exilic period. Smith's Bible Dictionary Moadiah(Nehemiah 12:17) Elsewhere Nehe 12:5 Called MAADIAH. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MOADIAHmo-a-di'-a. Strong's Hebrew 4153. Moadyah -- Moadiah... Moadyah. 4154 . Moadiah. Transliteration: Moadyah Phonetic Spelling: (mo-ad-yaw') Short Definition: Moadiah. Word Origin the same as Maadyah, qv. Moadiah ... /hebrew/4153.htm - 6k 4573. Maadyah -- an Israelite priest Thesaurus Moadiah (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MOADIAH. mo-a-di'-a. See MAADIAH. Multi-Version Concordance Moadiah (2 Occurrences). Nehemiah 12 ... /m/moadiah.htm - 7k Moadiah's (1 Occurrence) Moadi'ah (1 Occurrence) Moan (13 Occurrences) Moab's (7 Occurrences) Zicri (11 Occurrences) Zichri (12 Occurrences) Miniamin (3 Occurrences) Mini'amin (3 Occurrences) Maadiah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Moadiah (2 Occurrences)Nehemiah 12:5 Nehemiah 12:17 Subtopics Related Terms |