Delaiah is a name found in the Old Testament, associated with several individuals. The name Delaiah means "Yahweh has drawn" or "Yahweh has delivered." It is a testament to the faithfulness and deliverance of God, a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures.

1. Delaiah, the Descendant of David: Delaiah is listed as one of the descendants of David in the genealogies recorded in 1 Chronicles. Specifically, he is mentioned as one of the sons of Elioenai, a descendant of the royal line of Judah. This lineage underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding the perpetuity of his dynasty. (1 Chronicles 3:24: "The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani—seven in all.")

2. Delaiah, the Priest: Another Delaiah is noted among the priestly families who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. This Delaiah is listed among those whose descendants could not prove their genealogical records, thus being excluded from the priesthood until a priest could consult the Urim and Thummim. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining purity and order within the priestly service as ordained by God. (Ezra 2:60-63: "The descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda: 652 in all. And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai, who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name. These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.")

3. Delaiah, the Son of Shemaiah: In the book of Jeremiah, Delaiah is mentioned as one of the officials who heard the reading of the scroll by Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe. He was among those who advised King Jehoiakim not to burn the scroll, showing a measure of respect for the prophetic word, even amidst a rebellious generation. (Jeremiah 36:12: "he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials.")

Mehetabel

Mehetabel is a lesser-known figure in the Old Testament, mentioned in the genealogical records of the Edomites. The name Mehetabel means "God makes happy" or "God benefits," reflecting the joy and blessing that come from a relationship with the Almighty.

1. Mehetabel, the Wife of Hadad: Mehetabel is noted as the wife of Hadad, one of the kings of Edom. Her lineage is traced back to Matred and Mezahab, indicating her noble heritage. The mention of Mehetabel in the genealogies of Edom serves to provide historical context and continuity for the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. (Genesis 36:39: "When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.")

The inclusion of Mehetabel in the biblical record, though brief, underscores the interconnectedness of the nations surrounding Israel and the unfolding of God's plan through various lineages. Her name, meaning "God makes happy," serves as a reminder of the joy and fulfillment found in God's providence and sovereignty over all nations.