Azaliah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the reign of King Josiah of Judah. He is recognized primarily as the father of Shaphan, a significant scribe and official in the royal court. Azaliah's mention in the Bible, though brief, places him within the lineage of those who played pivotal roles during a critical period of religious reform in Judah.

Biblical References:

Azaliah is mentioned in 2 Kings 22:3, which states: "In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the scribe Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD, saying..." . This passage highlights Azaliah's connection to Shaphan, who was entrusted with the task of overseeing the repair of the Temple in Jerusalem. Shaphan's role was crucial in the discovery of the Book of the Law, which led to significant religious reforms under King Josiah.

Historical and Religious Context:

Azaliah lived during a time when the Kingdom of Judah was undergoing significant changes. His son, Shaphan, served under King Josiah, who is noted for his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from the land. The discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple, which Shaphan read to the king, was a turning point that spurred Josiah's reforms. These reforms included the centralization of worship in Jerusalem and the destruction of pagan altars and high places.

Family Lineage:

Azaliah is identified as the son of Meshullam, placing him within a family that held positions of influence and responsibility. The lineage suggests a heritage of service to the kingdom and dedication to the religious and administrative duties of the time. This background likely provided Shaphan with the foundation and connections necessary to serve effectively in Josiah's court.

Significance:

While Azaliah himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of Shaphan links him to the broader account of Judah's spiritual renewal. The reforms initiated during Josiah's reign, in which Shaphan played a key role, were instrumental in shaping the religious identity of the nation. Azaliah's legacy, therefore, is indirectly tied to these transformative events.

In summary, Azaliah's significance in the Bible is primarily through his son Shaphan, whose actions contributed to one of the most notable periods of religious reform in the history of Judah. His mention in the scriptures serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of family, faith, and leadership in the biblical narrative.2 Kings 22:3
And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 34:8
Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
Nave's Topical Index

Josiah
... young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in ... he had purged the
land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/josiah.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... His successor, Amon, during his brief reign of two years,* had no time to desert
the ways of his father, and Josiah,** who came to the throne in 638 BC, at the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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