Overview:
Saraias, also spelled Seraiah, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. The name Saraias means "Yahweh is ruler" or "Yahweh has prevailed." He is noted for his roles as a priest and a scribe, serving during significant periods in Israel's history. Saraias is associated with the lineage of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and is recognized for his contributions to the religious and administrative life of the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Saraias the High Priest:
Saraias is identified as a high priest during the time of King Zedekiah of Judah. He is mentioned in the context of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 25:18, the Berean Standard Bible states, "The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of the second rank, and the three doorkeepers." This passage highlights Saraias's prominent position in the religious hierarchy of Judah just before the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

2. Saraias the Scribe:
Another Saraias is mentioned as a scribe in the service of King David. In 2 Samuel 8:17, the BSB records, "Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe." This Saraias played a crucial role in the administration of King David's kingdom, contributing to the organization and documentation of the king's affairs.

3. Saraias in the Lineage of Ezra:
Saraias is also noted in the genealogical records of Ezra, the scribe and priest who led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem from Babylon. In Ezra 7:1, the BSB states, "After these things, during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah..." This lineage underscores the continuity of the priestly line and the importance of Saraias's descendants in the restoration of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Jewish community.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Saraias's roles as both a high priest and a scribe reflect the dual responsibilities of spiritual leadership and administrative duties in ancient Israel. As a high priest, Saraias would have been responsible for overseeing the temple rituals, maintaining the sanctity of worship, and serving as an intermediary between God and the people. His capture and execution by the Babylonians, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:21, marked a significant moment in the history of Judah, symbolizing the end of an era and the beginning of the Babylonian exile.

As a scribe, Saraias's work would have involved the recording and preservation of important documents, laws, and decrees. This role was vital for maintaining the continuity of Israel's religious and cultural identity, especially during times of political upheaval.

The mention of Saraias in the genealogy of Ezra highlights the enduring legacy of his family line. Ezra's leadership in the post-exilic period was instrumental in the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the Law of Moses and the reestablishment of temple worship.

Conclusion:

Saraias's life and legacy are integral to understanding the religious and historical context of ancient Israel. His contributions as a priest and scribe underscore the importance of faithful service to God and the preservation of Israel's covenantal identity. Through his descendants, Saraias's influence extended beyond his lifetime, playing a crucial role in the restoration and renewal of the Jewish faith and community.SARAIAS

sa-ra'-yas, sa-ri'-as (Saraias; Latin, Sareus):

(1) = Seraiah, the high priest in the reign of Zedekiah (1 Esdras 5:5, compare 1 Chronicles 6:14).

(2) Sareus the father of Ezra (2 Esdras 1:1) = "Seraiah" in Ezra 7:1, sometimes identified with Saraias under (1). He is probably identical with the "Azaraias" of 1 Esdras 8:1.

(3) the King James Version = the Revised Version (British and American) "Azaraias" (1 Esdras 8:1).

Saraias
...SARAIAS. sa-ra'-yas, sa-ri'-as (Saraias; Latin, Sareus): (1) = Seraiah, the high
priest in the reign of Zedekiah (1 Esdras 5:5, compare 1 Chronicles 6:14). ...
/s/saraias.htm - 6k

Azaraias
... AZARAIAS. az-a-ra'-yas (B, Azaraias; A, Saraias; the King James Version Saraias);
compare Seraiah (Ezra 7:1): An ancestor of Ezra (1 Esdras 8:1). ...
/a/azaraias.htm - 6k

Seraiah (18 Occurrences)
... se-ra'-ya, se-ri'-a (serayahu, "Yah hath prevailed"; Septuagint Saraias, or Saraia):
(1) Secretary of David (2 Samuel 8:17); in 2 Samuel 20:25 he is called ...
/s/seraiah.htm - 17k

Sarai's (1 Occurrence)

/s/sarai's.htm - 6k

Saraiah (1 Occurrence)

/s/saraiah.htm - 6k

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