Berekiah is a biblical figure whose name means "Yahweh blesses" or "blessed by the Lord." He is mentioned in several contexts within the Old Testament, primarily associated with the Levitical and priestly lines. The name Berekiah appears in different genealogical and historical records, highlighting the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative.

1. Berekiah, Father of Zechariah: One of the most notable mentions of Berekiah is as the father of the prophet Zechariah. 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 Berekiah, the son of Iddo, saying:" This introduction establishes Berekiah within the prophetic lineage, linking him to the post-exilic period when the Israelites were returning from Babylonian captivity. Zechariah's prophecies were instrumental in encouraging the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Berekiah, a Levite Musician: Another Berekiah is mentioned in the context of King David's organization of the Levitical musicians. In 1 Chronicles 15:17-18 , Berekiah is listed among the Levites appointed to play musical instruments during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem: "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." This Berekiah is identified as the father of Asaph, a prominent figure in the Levitical choir and attributed with several Psalms.

3. Berekiah, a Gatekeeper: In 1 Chronicles 26:1-2 , Berekiah is mentioned as one of the gatekeepers: "The divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites, Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh." While Berekiah himself is not directly named in this passage, his lineage is implied through the mention of Asaph, suggesting a connection to the duties of temple service and worship.

4. Berekiah in Genealogies: The name Berekiah also appears in various genealogical records, underscoring the importance of family heritage in the biblical narrative. In 1 Chronicles 3:20 , Berekiah is listed among the descendants of Zerubbabel, a leader in the Jewish community during the return from exile: "The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei. The sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister. There were also five others: Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed."

Berekiah's appearances in the Bible, though brief, connect him to significant religious and historical events, emphasizing the continuity of God's work through generations. His name, meaning "Yahweh blesses," reflects the overarching theme of divine blessing and favor upon those who serve faithfully in their appointed roles.Berekiah (11 Occurrences)

Matthew 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 of Berechiah whom you murdered between the Sanctuary and the altar.
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1 Chronicles 3:20
and Hashubah and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five.
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1 Chronicles 6:39
And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand; even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea;
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1 Chronicles 9:16
and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
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1 Chronicles 15:17
So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
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2 Chronicles 28:12
Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Jehohanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,
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Nehemiah 3:4
And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
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Nehemiah 3:30
After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another portion. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.
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Nehemiah 6:18
For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah to wife.
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Zechariah 1:1
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, hath a word of Jehovah been unto Zechariah, son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, the prophet, saying:
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Zechariah 1:7
On the twenty and fourth day of the eleventh month, (it 'is' the month of Sebat,) in the second year of Darius, hath a word of Jehovah been unto Zechariah, son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, the prophet, saying:
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Berekiah (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Berekiah (11 Occurrences). Matthew 23:35 that all
the innocent blood shed upon earth may come on you, from ...
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Bereft (9 Occurrences)

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Berenice
Berenice. Berekiah, Berenice. Beri . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BERENICE.
ber'-e-nes. See BERNICE. Berekiah, Berenice. Beri . Reference Bible.
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Who was the prophet Zechariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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