Topical Encyclopedia
Harhaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. He is noted for his role during the period of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, an event that took place after the Babylonian exile when the Jewish people were allowed to return to their homeland under the decree of the Persian King Cyrus.
Biblical Reference:Harhaiah is mentioned in
Nehemiah 3:8, which states: "Next to him, Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. And next to him, Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall."
Context and Significance:The Book of Nehemiah is a historical account that details the efforts of Nehemiah, a Jewish leader, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This was a significant undertaking, as the walls represented not only the physical security of the city but also the spiritual and communal restoration of the Jewish people. The rebuilding project was a collective effort involving various families and guilds, each taking responsibility for different sections of the wall.
Harhaiah is identified as the father of Uzziel, who was one of the goldsmiths involved in the reconstruction. The mention of Harhaiah, though brief, highlights the participation of skilled artisans in the rebuilding process. Goldsmiths, like Uzziel, were highly regarded for their craftsmanship and played a crucial role in the economic and cultural life of the community. Their involvement in the wall's repair underscores the unity and dedication of the people, regardless of their usual trades, to restore their city and heritage.
Cultural and Historical Insights:The inclusion of Harhaiah and his son Uzziel in the narrative of Nehemiah reflects the broader theme of communal effort and cooperation among the Israelites. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was not merely a construction project but a symbol of renewal and hope for the Jewish nation. It demonstrated their resilience and faith in God's promises, as they sought to reestablish their identity and religious practices in their ancestral land.
The role of families like that of Harhaiah in this endeavor also illustrates the importance of lineage and heritage in Jewish society. The mention of specific individuals and their familial connections serves to honor their contributions and preserve their legacy within the biblical record.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the account of Harhaiah and his son Uzziel's participation in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls can be seen as an example of faithful service to God's purposes. It reflects the biblical principle that every member of the community, regardless of their social or economic status, has a role to play in the fulfillment of God's plans. The narrative encourages believers to contribute their unique gifts and talents to the work of God, trusting that their efforts, no matter how small, are valuable in the larger divine scheme.
In summary, Harhaiah, though a minor figure in the biblical text, represents the collective spirit and dedication of the Jewish people during a pivotal moment in their history. His mention in the Book of Nehemiah serves as a testament to the collaborative effort required to achieve God's purposes and the enduring legacy of those who faithfully participate in His work.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Harhaiahheat, or anger, of the Lord
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Harhaiah(the Lord is angry), father of Uzziel. (Nehemiah 3:8) (B.C. before 446.)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Zeal of Jehovah, (
Nehemiah 3:8) "of the goldsmiths," one whose son helped to repair the wall of Jerusalem.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HARHAIAHhar-ha'-ya (charhayah, "Yah protects"): A goldsmith, whose son, Uzziel, helped to repair the walls of Jerusalem under Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 3:8).
Strong's Hebrew
2736. Charhayah --Harhaiah... Charhayah. 2737 .
Harhaiah. Transliteration: Charhayah Phonetic Spelling:
(khar-hah-yaw') Short Definition:
Harhaiah. Word Origin see Charchayah.
Harhaiah...2744b. Charchayah -- an Israelite
... an Israelite. Transliteration: Charchayah Short Definition:Harhaiah. Word Origin
of uncertain derivation Definition an Isr. NASB Word UsageHarhaiah (1)....
Thesaurus
Uzziel (17 Occurrences)... (5.) A son of Jeduthan (2 Chronicles 29:14). (6.) The son of
Harhaiah (Nehemiah
3:8).
... Nehemiah 3:8 Next to him repaired Uzziel the son of
Harhaiah, goldsmiths.
...Harhaiah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.HARHAIAH....Harhaiah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah
3:8 Next to him repaired Uzziel the son ofHarhaiah, goldsmiths....
Harhai'ah (1 Occurrence)
Harhai'ah.Harhaiah, Harhai'ah. Harhas .... Harhai'ah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah
3:8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son ofHarhaiah, goldsmiths....
Uz'ziel (16 Occurrences)
... Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel. (See RSV). Nehemiah 3:8 Next to him repaired
Uzziel the son ofHarhaiah, goldsmiths. Next to him repaired...
Gold-worker (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gold-worker (6 Occurrences). Nehemiah 3:8 Near them
was working Uzziel, the son ofHarhaiah, the gold-worker....
Goldsmiths (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Goldsmiths (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 3:8 Next to
him repaired Uzziel the son ofHarhaiah, goldsmiths. Next...
Repairs (24 Occurrences)
... governor beyond the River. (See NAS NIV). Nehemiah 3:8 Next unto him repaired
Uzziel the son ofHarhaiah, goldsmiths. And next unto him...
Refiners (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:8 By his hand hath Uzziel son ofHarhaiah of the refiners strengthened;
and by his hand hath Hananiah son of 'one of' the compounders strengthened...
Perfumers (3 Occurrences)
... burning for him. (WEB JPS ASV NAS). Nehemiah 3:8 Next to him repaired Uzziel
the son ofHarhaiah, goldsmiths. Next to him repaired...
Perfume-makers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Perfume-makers (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 3:8 Near them
was working Uzziel, the son ofHarhaiah, the gold-worker....
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