Topical Encyclopedia Azariah, a name meaning "Yahweh has helped," is a figure mentioned in the context of the lineage of the kings of Judah. He is identified as the son of Jehoshaphat, who was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah. Jehoshaphat is noted for his efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh and for his reforms to strengthen the judicial system and religious practices in Judah.Lineage and Historical Context Azariah's father, Jehoshaphat, reigned over Judah from approximately 873 to 849 BC. Jehoshaphat was a contemporary of Ahab, king of Israel, and is known for his alliance with Ahab through marriage, which was a common political strategy of the time to secure peace and mutual defense. This alliance, however, had spiritual repercussions, as it brought the influence of Ahab's idolatrous practices into Judah. Azariah is mentioned in the genealogical records of the kings of Judah, which are crucial for understanding the Davidic line and the fulfillment of God's promises to David regarding his descendants. The genealogies serve as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the line through which the Messiah would eventually come. Biblical References While Azariah himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention in the genealogies underscores the importance of lineage in the biblical text. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles 3:10-14 provide a record of the descendants of Solomon, through whom the Davidic line continued. Azariah is listed among the sons of Jehoshaphat, contributing to the continuity of the royal line. 1 Chronicles 3:10-11 states: "Solomon’s son was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son." Theological Significance The mention of Azariah in the genealogical records highlights the importance of covenant faithfulness and the preservation of the Davidic line. The genealogies serve as a reminder of God's promises to David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God assures David that his throne will be established forever. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" in the New Testament. The inclusion of Azariah in the biblical record, though brief, is part of the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan. It reflects the continuity of God's work through history and the unfolding of His purposes through the generations. Cultural and Historical Insights In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were not merely records of ancestry but were also significant for establishing legal rights, inheritance, and social status. For the people of Israel, these records were particularly important in maintaining tribal and familial identities, especially during times of exile and return. Azariah's place in the genealogy of the kings of Judah serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Davidic covenant and the hope of a future king who would reign with justice and righteousness. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 21:2And he had brothers the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Library The Kingdom Op Judah. National Apostasy The Fall of the House of Ahab How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ... The Divided Kingdom. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ. On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... The Greater Prophets. Resources Who was King Zechariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhere was Daniel when his three friends were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's statue? | GotQuestions.org What is the book of Susanna? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Azariah: A Captive Returned from Babylon Azariah: A Captive Returned from Babylon: Also Called Seraiah Azariah: A High Priest: Also Called Amariah Azariah: A Levite: Called Uzziah Azariah: A Prophet, Called Obed Azariah: Captain of Solomon's Guards Azariah: Chief of the Tribe of Ephraim Azariah: Hebrew Name of Abed-Nego Azariah: High Priest in Hezekiah's Reign Azariah: High Priest in Hezekiah's Reign: Probably Identical With Ahitub Mentioned In Azariah: King of Judah, Called Ahaziah Azariah: Son of Johanan, Possibly Identical With Zechariah, Son of Jehoiada Related Terms |
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