Topical Encyclopedia
Azariah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, associated with various individuals who played significant roles in the history of Israel and Judah. The name Azariah means "Yahweh has helped," reflecting the theocentric nature of Hebrew names.
1.
Azariah, the High Priest: One of the most notable figures named Azariah was a high priest during the reign of King Solomon. He was a descendant of Zadok, the priest, and served in the temple, ensuring the continuation of the priestly duties as outlined in the Mosaic Law. His lineage is mentioned in
1 Chronicles 6:9-10, which traces the priestly line from Aaron through Zadok.
2.
Azariah, King of Judah: Also known as Uzziah, Azariah was the son of Amaziah and became king of Judah. His reign is detailed in
2 Kings 15 and
2 Chronicles 26. Azariah/Uzziah is remembered for his military successes and his efforts to strengthen the kingdom. However, his pride led to his downfall when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, a duty reserved for the priests. As a result, God struck him with leprosy, and he lived in isolation until his death.
3.
Azariah, the Prophet: In
2 Chronicles 15, Azariah the son of Oded is mentioned as a prophet who encouraged King Asa of Judah to seek the Lord and remove idolatry from the land. His message led to a religious reform and a renewal of the covenant between God and the people of Judah.
4.
Azariah, the Companion of Daniel: In the Book of Daniel, Azariah is one of the Hebrew youths taken into Babylonian captivity. Known by his Babylonian name, Abednego, he, along with Shadrach and Meshach, famously survived the fiery furnace as a testament to their faithfulness to God (
Daniel 1:6-7, 3:12-30).
HilkiahHilkiah is a significant figure in the Old Testament, primarily known for his role as a high priest during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His name means "Yahweh is my portion," indicating a deep connection to the divine heritage of the priesthood.
1.
Hilkiah, the High Priest: Hilkiah served as the high priest during a critical period in Judah's history. He is most renowned for discovering the Book of the Law in the temple during King Josiah's reign, as recorded in
2 Kings 22:8-10 and
2 Chronicles 34:14-18. This discovery led to a national religious reform, as Josiah sought to align the kingdom's practices with the covenantal laws of Yahweh. The finding of the Book of the Law is considered a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, sparking a revival and a return to the worship of the one true God.
2.
Hilkiah's Family: Hilkiah was the father of several notable figures, including Jeremiah the prophet, as suggested by some interpretations of the genealogies. His lineage is mentioned in
1 Chronicles 6:13, which traces the priestly line through the generations.
3.
Hilkiah's Role in Reforms: Beyond the discovery of the Book of the Law, Hilkiah played a crucial role in the religious reforms initiated by King Josiah. He was instrumental in purging the temple of idolatrous elements and restoring the proper worship practices as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. His actions are seen as a fulfillment of the priestly duty to maintain the sanctity and purity of the worship of Yahweh.
Hilkiah's legacy is one of faithfulness and dedication to the covenant, serving as a model for religious leaders in maintaining the integrity of worship and adherence to God's commandments.
