Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Ramiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is noted as one of the Israelites who had taken foreign wives, an action that was against the Mosaic Law and the covenantal expectations for the people of Israel. His name appears in the context of the post-exilic period when the Israelites were returning from Babylonian captivity and were in the process of re-establishing their religious and social identity. Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Ramiah is found in the Book of Ezra. In Ezra 10:25, Ramiah is listed among the descendants of Parosh who had married foreign women. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "From the descendants of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malchijah, and Benaiah." Historical and Religious Context: The context of Ramiah's mention is significant in understanding the religious reforms taking place during the time of Ezra. After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish community faced the challenge of maintaining their distinct identity amidst surrounding pagan cultures. The intermarriage with foreign women was seen as a threat to the purity of the Israelite faith and the covenant with Yahweh. Ezra, a scribe and priest, was instrumental in leading the people back to adherence to the Law of Moses. The issue of intermarriage was addressed in a public assembly, where the people confessed their sins and agreed to put away their foreign wives and children. This was part of a broader movement to restore the community's commitment to God's commandments and to ensure the continuity of the Jewish faith and culture. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the account of Ramiah and others who took foreign wives highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. It underscores the need for the people of Israel to remain distinct and holy, set apart for God's purposes. The narrative serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the necessity of repentance and reform. The account of Ramiah also reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from sin and the call to holiness. It illustrates the tension between cultural assimilation and religious fidelity, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. Name Meaning: The name Ramiah is of Hebrew origin and is thought to mean "Yahweh has exalted" or "Jehovah is exalted." This name, like many in the Bible, carries theological significance, reflecting the character and attributes of God. Conclusion: While Ramiah is a relatively minor figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the list of those who had taken foreign wives serves as a testament to the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining their covenantal identity. His account is a part of the larger narrative of Israel's struggle to remain faithful to God amidst external influences and internal challenges. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary RamiahSmith's Bible Dictionary Ramiahone who had taken "a strange wife." (Ezra 10:25) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RAMIAHra-mi'-a (ramyah, "Yah has loosened" or "Yah is high"): One of the Israelites, of the sons of Parosh, mentioned in the register of those who had offended in the matter of foreign marriages (Ezra 10:25). The form of the name in 1 Esdras (9:26), "Hiermas," presupposes a Hebrew form yeremyah or possibly yirmeyah = "Jeremiah." Strong's Hebrew 7422. Ramyah -- "Yah has loosened," an Israelite with a foreign ...... Ramyah. 7423 . "Yah has loosened," an Israelite with a foreign wife. Transliteration: Ramyah Phonetic Spelling: (ram-yaw') Short Definition: Ramiah. ... Ramiah. ... /hebrew/7422.htm - 6k Thesaurus Ramiah (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia RAMIAH. ra-mi'-a (ramyah ... yirmeyah = "Jeremiah.". Multi-Version Concordance Ramiah (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10 ... /r/ramiah.htm - 7k Rami'ah (1 Occurrence) Jeziah (1 Occurrence) Jizzijah (1 Occurrence) Izziah (1 Occurrence) Izzi'ah (1 Occurrence) Ram'eses (4 Occurrences) Miamin (2 Occurrences) Malchi'jah (12 Occurrences) Mi'jamin (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Ramiah (1 Occurrence)Ezra 10:25 Subtopics Ramiah: had Taken a Non-Israelite Wife Related Terms |
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