Topical Encyclopedia
Asaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, known for his role during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His name, Asaiah, means "Yahweh has made" or "Yahweh has fashioned," reflecting the theocentric nature of Hebrew names and their significance in conveying divine purpose or action.
Role in the Reign of King JosiahAsaiah is prominently mentioned in the context of King Josiah's religious reforms, which were pivotal in the history of Judah. During Josiah's reign, a significant religious revival took place, marked by the rediscovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple. Asaiah served as a royal official, specifically identified as a servant of the king, and played a crucial role in the events that followed this discovery.
In
2 Kings 22:12, Asaiah is listed among the officials whom King Josiah sent to consult the prophetess Huldah regarding the words of the Book of the Law that had been found. The passage states: "Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant: 'Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.'"
This mission underscores Asaiah's trusted position within the royal court and his involvement in the spiritual and administrative affairs of the kingdom. The consultation with Huldah led to a confirmation of the impending judgment on Judah due to its disobedience, but also highlighted the possibility of divine mercy due to Josiah's humility and repentance.
Historical and Theological SignificanceAsaiah's involvement in the religious reforms under Josiah is significant for several reasons. First, it illustrates the collaborative effort among the king's officials to seek divine guidance and implement religious reforms. Asaiah's role as a servant of the king indicates his loyalty and dedication to the spiritual renewal of the nation.
Second, Asaiah's participation in the inquiry to Huldah reflects the importance of prophetic voices in guiding the leaders of Israel and Judah. The reliance on prophetic counsel during critical moments in the nation's history demonstrates the theocratic nature of the Israelite monarchy, where divine will was sought and revered.
Lastly, Asaiah's mention in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the broader community of faithful individuals who contributed to the spiritual life of Israel. While not as prominent as other biblical figures, Asaiah's obedience and service played a part in the significant religious transformation that occurred during Josiah's reign.
ConclusionAsaiah's role in the biblical narrative, though brief, is a testament to the importance of faithful service and the impact of collective efforts in pursuing spiritual renewal. His actions, alongside those of other officials and the king, contributed to a pivotal moment in Judah's history, emphasizing the enduring theme of repentance and reform in the biblical tradition.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Asaiahthe Lord hath wrought
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Asaiah(the Lord hath made).
- A prince of one of the families of the Simeonites in the reign of Hezekiah. (1 Chronicles 4:36) (B.C. 910.)
- A Levite in the reign of David, chief of the family of Merari. (1 Chronicles 6:30) With 120 of his brethren he took part in bringing the ark from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David. (1 Chronicles 15:6,11)
- The first-born of "the Shilonite," from Shiloni, (1 Chronicles 9:5) who with his family dwelt in Jerusalem after the return from Babylon. (B.C. 536.) In (Nehemiah 11:5) he is calledMAASEIAH.
- (2 Chronicles 34:20) [ASAHIAH]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ASAIAHa-sa'-ya ([`asayah], "Yahweh has made," written Asahiah twice in the King James Version (2 Kings 22:12, 14)):
(1) A Levite of the family of Merari, and one of those who helped bring the ark from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 6:30;1 Chronicles 15:6, 11).
(2) A leading man of the tribe of Simeon. He was in the incursion which attacked and dispossessed the MEUNIM (which see), or the shepherd people, in the valley of Gedor (1 Chronicles 4:36).
(3) An officer of Josiah sent to Huldah the prophetess for advice regarding the law book found by Hilkiah (2 Kings 22:12, 14; see ASAHIAH).
(4) A Shilonite resident of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 9:5). He is called Maaseiah inNehemiah 11:5.
W. W. Davis
Strong's Hebrew
6222. Asayah -- four Israelites... Asayah. 6223 . four Israelites. Transliteration: Asayah Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-saw-yaw') Short Definition:
Asaiah.
... NASB Word Usage
Asaiah (8).
Asaiah.
...Library
Josiah and the Newly Found Law
... And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son
of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, andAsaiah a servant of the king's, saying...
The Young Josiah and the Book of the Law
... he gave this command to Hilkiah, the priest, to Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to Achbor,
the son of Micaiah, to Shaphan, the scribe, and toAsaiah, his servant...
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <....
Thesaurus
Asaiah (8 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ASAIAH. a-sa'-ya ([`asayah], "Yahweh
... WW Davis.
Multi-Version Concordance
Asaiah (8 Occurrences). 2 Kings 22
...Asai'ah (8 Occurrences)
Asai'ah.Asaiah, Asai'ah. Asana .... 1 Chronicles 4:36 and Elioenai, and Jaakobah,
and Jeshoaiah, andAsaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah; (See RSV)....
Ahikam (20 Occurrences)
... Kings 22:12 The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan,
and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, andAsaiah the king's...
Ahi'kam (19 Occurrences)
... 22:12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan,
and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, andAsaiah the king's...
Shaphan (26 Occurrences)
... Kings 22:12 The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan,
and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, andAsaiah the king's...
Asahiah (2 Occurrences)
... as-a-hi'-a (`asayah, "Yahweh hath made"; the King James Version form; the Revised
Version (British and American)ASAIAH): "The king's servant" sent by Josiah...
Achbor (7 Occurrences)
... Kings 22:12 The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan,
and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, andAsaiah the king's...
Attendant (15 Occurrences)
... Kings 22:12 The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan,
and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, andAsaiah the king's...
Acbor (7 Occurrences)
... Kings 22:12 The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan,
and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, andAsaiah the king's...
Secretary (34 Occurrences)
... Kings 22:12 The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan,
and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, andAsaiah the king's...
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