Topical Encyclopedia
Mattithiah is a biblical figure whose name means "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of Jehovah." He is mentioned in several contexts within the Old Testament, primarily associated with the Levitical priesthood and the musical service in the temple.
1.
Mattithiah, the Levite Musician: One of the most notable mentions of Mattithiah is found in the context of King David's organization of the temple musicians. In
1 Chronicles 15:18, Mattithiah is listed among the Levites appointed to play musical instruments during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This event was significant as it marked the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious center of Israel. The Levites, including Mattithiah, played a crucial role in the worship practices, highlighting the importance of music in the liturgical life of Israel.
In
1 Chronicles 25:3, Mattithiah is again mentioned as one of the sons of Jeduthun, who were set apart for the ministry of prophesying with lyres, harps, and cymbals. This passage underscores the prophetic aspect of music in worship, where Mattithiah and his brothers were involved in proclaiming God's word through song.
2.
Mattithiah, the Temple Official: Another Mattithiah is mentioned in
1 Chronicles 9:31, where he is described as a Levite and the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite. He was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the preparation of the baked offerings. This role was significant in the daily operations of the temple, ensuring that the offerings were prepared according to the prescribed rituals.
3.
Mattithiah, the Signatory of the Covenant: In the post-exilic period, a Mattithiah is listed among those who sealed the covenant in
Nehemiah 10:8. This covenant was a renewal of the people's commitment to follow the Law of Moses after the return from Babylonian exile. Mattithiah's inclusion among the signatories indicates his standing and influence within the community, as well as his dedication to the spiritual and communal restoration of Israel.
4.
Mattithiah, the Father of a Warrior: In
1 Chronicles 27:16, Mattithiah is mentioned as the father of one of the leaders of the tribe of Benjamin during King David's reign. This reference, while brief, places Mattithiah within the broader narrative of Israel's tribal leadership and military organization.
The various mentions of Mattithiah across different contexts highlight the multifaceted roles played by individuals in the service of God and the community. Whether through music, temple service, covenant renewal, or tribal leadership, Mattithiah's legacy is interwoven with the religious and social fabric of Israel. His name, meaning "gift of Yahweh," reflects the divine calling and purpose attributed to his life and service.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Gift of Jehovah.
(1.) One of the sons of Jeduthun (1 Chronicles 25:3, 21).
(2.) The eldest son of Shallum, of the family of Korah (1 Chronicles 9:31).
(3.) One who stood by Ezra while reading the law (Nehemiah 8:4).
(4.) The son of Amos, and father of Joseph, in the genealogy of our Lord (Luke 3:25).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MATTITHIAHmat-i-thi'-a (mattithyah, or mattithyahu, "gift of Yah"):
(1) The Mattithiah ofNehemiah 8:4 (1st spelling) was one of those who stood at Ezra's right hand while he read the law (compare 1 Esdras 9:43). He may be the individual set over "things that were baked in pans" (1 Chronicles 9:31).
(2) One of those appointed by David to minister before the ark, and to "celebrate and to thank and praise Yahweh, the God of Israel" (1 Chronicles 16:4, 5).
(3) One of those who had foreign wives (Ezra 10:43). In 1 Esdras 9:35, "Mazitias."
(4) One of the Levites who ministered before the ark with harps1 Chronicles 15:18, 21;1 Chronicles 25:3, 11, 2 nd spelling).
Henry Wallace
Strong's Hebrew
4993. Mattithyah -- "gift of Yah," the name of several Israelites... "gift of Yah," the name of several Israelites. Transliteration: Mattithyah or
Mattithyahu Phonetic Spelling: (mat-tith-yaw') Short Definition:
Mattithiah.
...Library
Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... unto the book of the law.4. And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which
they had made for the purpose; and beside him stoodMattithiah, and Shema...
Thesaurus
Mattithiah (8 Occurrences)... 25). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
MATTITHIAH. mat
... spelling). Henry Wallace.
Multi-Version Concordance
Mattithiah (8 Occurrences). 1
...Mattithi'ah (8 Occurrences)
Mattithi'ah.Mattithiah, Mattithi'ah. Mattock . Multi-Version Concordance
Mattithi'ah (8 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 9:31 AndMattithiah...
Je-i'el (11 Occurrences)
... of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel,
and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, andMattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and...
Jeiel (13 Occurrences)
... of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel,
and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, andMattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and...
O'bed-e'dom (14 Occurrences)
... of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel,
and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, andMattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and...
Corded (37 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:21 AndMattithiah and Eliphelehu and Mikneiah and Obed-edom and
Jeiel and Azaziah, with corded instruments on the octave, to give the first...
Obededom (15 Occurrences)
... of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel,
and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, andMattithiah, and Elipheleh, and...
Obed-edom (16 Occurrences)
... of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel,
and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, andMattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and...
Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences)
... of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel,
and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, andMattithiah, and Eliphalehu, and...
Benai'ah (43 Occurrences)
... of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel,
and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, andMattithiah, and Eliphalehu, and...
Resources
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