Topical Encyclopedia Ne-ari'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. His name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Chronicles. The name Ne-ari'ah means "servant of Yahweh" or "youth of Yahweh," reflecting a common practice in Hebrew culture of embedding the name of God within personal names to signify devotion or a divine relationship.Biblical Reference: Ne-ari'ah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:22. The passage provides a genealogical account of the descendants of David, focusing on the lineage of Solomon. The verse reads: "The descendants of Shecaniah: Shemaiah and his sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat—six in all." (1 Chronicles 3:22) In this context, Ne-ari'ah is listed as one of the sons of Shemaiah, who is a descendant of David through the line of Solomon. This genealogical record is part of a broader effort in the Chronicles to trace the lineage of the Davidic dynasty, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with David and his descendants. Historical and Theological Significance: The mention of Ne-ari'ah, though brief, contributes to the larger narrative of the Chronicler, which seeks to affirm the legitimacy and divine favor of the Davidic line. This is particularly significant in the post-exilic period when the Chronicler was writing, as the Jewish community sought to re-establish their identity and heritage after the Babylonian exile. The genealogies in Chronicles serve not only as historical records but also as theological affirmations of God's promises. By listing Ne-ari'ah among the descendants of David, the text underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant and the hope for a future restoration of the Davidic kingdom. Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and social status. They were also a means of preserving tribal and familial heritage. The inclusion of Ne-ari'ah in the genealogical record highlights the importance of each individual in the unfolding plan of God, even if their personal accounts are not elaborated upon in the biblical text. Conclusion: While Ne-ari'ah is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles underscores the meticulous care with which the Chronicler documented the lineage of David. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises and the hope for the fulfillment of His covenant with David. Concordance Ne-ari'ah (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 4:42 Thesaurus Ne-ari'ah (1 Occurrence)Ne-ari'ah. Neari'ah, Ne-ari'ah. Nearing . Multi-Version Concordance Ne-ari'ah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:42 Some of them, even ... /n/ne-ari'ah.htm - 6k Neari'ah (2 Occurrences) Nearing (2 Occurrences) Resources When and how was Nineveh destroyed? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |