Topical Encyclopedia
Berechiah, a name meaning "Yahweh blesses" or "blessed by the Lord," is a figure mentioned several times in the Old Testament. The name is borne by multiple individuals, each playing distinct roles within the biblical narrative. Below are the notable mentions of Berechiah in the Scriptures:
1.
Berechiah, Father of Zechariah the Prophet: Berechiah is identified as the father of the prophet Zechariah, one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. Zechariah is known for his prophetic ministry during the post-exilic period, encouraging the Jewish people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. In
Zechariah 1:1 , it is written, "In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying." This lineage highlights Berechiah's role in the prophetic heritage, linking him to the priestly line through Iddo.
2.
Berechiah, a Levite Musician: Another Berechiah is mentioned in the context of King David's organization of temple worship. In
1 Chronicles 15:17-18 , Berechiah is listed among the Levites appointed to be musicians: "So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his relatives, Asaph son of Berechiah; and from their relatives the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah." Berechiah's son, Asaph, became one of the chief musicians, contributing significantly to the Psalms and the worship practices of Israel.
3.
Berechiah, a Gatekeeper: In
1 Chronicles 9:16 , Berechiah is mentioned as a gatekeeper: "Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites." This Berechiah served in the practical and essential role of maintaining the security and sanctity of the temple precincts.
4.
Berechiah, a Builder in Nehemiah's Time: During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah, a Berechiah is noted as participating in the construction efforts.
Nehemiah 3:4 states, "Next to them, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs." This Berechiah is recognized through his son Meshullam, who took part in the communal effort to restore the city's fortifications.
The name Berechiah, therefore, is associated with various roles within the religious and communal life of Israel, from prophetic lineage and musical contributions to practical service in temple duties and civic restoration. Each mention of Berechiah underscores the diverse ways in which individuals contributed to the spiritual and physical life of the Israelite community.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Berechiah(blessed of Jehovah).
- A descendant of the royal family of Judah. (1 Chronicles 3:20)
- A man mentioned as the father of Meshullam, who assisted in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:4,30;6:18)
- A Levite. (1 Chronicles 9:16)
- A doorkeeper for the ark. (1 Chronicles 15:23)
- One of the tribe of Ephraim in the time of Ahaz. (2 Chronicles 28:12)
- Father of Asaph the singer. (1 Chronicles 15:17) [BERACHIAH]
- Father of Zechariah. (Zechariah 1:1,7)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
4 (q.v.), whom Jehovah hath blessed, father of the prophet Zechariah (
Zechariah 1:1, 7;
Matthew 23:35).
Blessed by Jehovah.
(1.) Son of Shimea, and father of Asaph the musician (1 Chronicles 6:39;15:17).
(2.) One of the seven Ephraimite chieftains, son of Meshillemoth (2 Chronicles 28:12).
(3.) The fourth of the five sons of Zerubbabel, of the royal family of Judah (1 Chronicles 3:20).
(4.) The father of the prophet Zechariah (1:1, 7).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BERECHIAHber-e-ki'-a (berekhyah, berekhyahu, "Yahweh blesses," HPN, 216, 287):
(1) A descendant of David (1 Chronicles 3:20).
(2) The father of Asaph, the singer (1 Chronicles 6:39 the King James Version "Berachiah";1 Chronicles 15:17).
(3) A former inhabitant of Jerusalem, a Levee (1 Chronicles 9:16).
(4) A doorkeeper 'for the ark at David's time (1 Chronicles 15:23).
(5) One of the heads of the children of Ephraim (2 Chronicles 28:12).
(6) The father of Meshullam the builder (Nehemiah 3:4, 30;Nehemiah 6:18).
(7) The father of the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 11:7).
A. L. Breslich
Greek
914. Barachias -- Barachiah, the father of a man killed in the...... Word Origin of Hebrew origin Berekyah Definition Barachiah, the father of a man
killed in the temple NASB Word Usage
Berechiah (1). Barachias.
...Strong's Hebrew
1296. Berekyah -- "Yah blesses," the name of several Israelites... "Yah blesses," the name of several Israelites. Transliteration: Berekyah or Berekyahu
Phonetic Spelling: (beh-rek-yaw') Short Definition:
Berechiah.
...Library
How Upon the Death of Jotham, Ahaz Reigned in his Stead; against...
... So the people of Israel came together to their assembly, and considered of these
matters, when a man whose name wasBerechiah, and who was one of chief...
The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... Zechariah, the second and greatest prophet of the Restoration, calls himself the
son ofBerechiah, the son of Iddo (1:1). But in Ezra the name of the father is...
Thesaurus
Berechiah (12 Occurrences)...BERECHIAH. ber-e-ki'-a (berekhyah, berekhyahu, "Yahweh blesses," HPN, 216, 287):
(1) A descendant of David (1 Chronicles 3:20).
...Berechiah (12 Occurrences).
...Berechi'ah (11 Occurrences)
Berechi'ah.Berechiah, Berechi'ah. Bered .... 1 Chronicles 3:20 and Hashubah and
Ohel, andBerechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five. (See RSV)....
Berekiah (11 Occurrences)
... 23:35 that all the innocent blood shed upon earth may come on you, from the blood
of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son ofBerechiah whom you...
Meshillemoth (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Requitals. (1.) The father ofBerechiah (2 Chronicles
28:12). (2.) A priest, the son of Immer (Nehemiah 11:13). Int....
Meshul'lam (23 Occurrences)
... And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son ofBerechiah, the son of Meshezabel....
After him repaired Meshullam the son ofBerechiah over against his chamber....
Elkanah (20 Occurrences)
... (7) Another Levite, ancestor ofBerechiah (1 Chronicles 9:16).... 1 Chronicles
15:23Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark....
Meshullam (25 Occurrences)
... Next to them repaired Meshullam the son ofBerechiah, the son of Meshezabel.... After
him repaired Meshullam the son ofBerechiah over against his chamber....
Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences)
... 23:35 that all the innocent blood shed upon earth may come on you, from the blood
of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son ofBerechiah whom you...
Jehohanan (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah
the son of Johanan,Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son...
Repairs (24 Occurrences)
... And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son ofBerechiah, the son of Meshezabel....
After him repaired Meshullam the son ofBerechiah over against his chamber....
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