Name Meaning: The name Jahaziah is derived from the Hebrew, meaning "Yahweh sees" or "Yahweh watches over."

Biblical References: Jahaziah is mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, specifically in the book of Ezra. He is noted in Ezra 10:15, where he is one of the individuals who opposed the plan to send away foreign wives and their children as part of the reforms led by Ezra.

Historical Context: The events surrounding Jahaziah occur during the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. This period was marked by efforts to restore religious and social order according to the Mosaic Law. Ezra, a scribe and priest, was a central figure in these reforms, which included the controversial decision to dissolve marriages between Jewish men and foreign women to preserve the sanctity and identity of the Israelite community.

Role and Significance: Jahaziah, along with Jonathan son of Asahel, is noted for opposing the plan proposed by Ezra and the assembly. The specific reasons for their opposition are not detailed in the text, but their stance indicates a significant minority view during this critical period of reformation. Their opposition suggests a tension between the strict adherence to the Law and the practical and personal implications of such reforms on the community.

Theological Implications: Jahaziah's mention highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the Jewish community in maintaining their covenant identity while dealing with the realities of life in a diverse and multicultural environment. His opposition to Ezra's reforms can be seen as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to balance faithfulness to God's commands with compassion and understanding of individual circumstances.

Related Themes and Topics:
· Covenant Faithfulness: The return from exile was a time of renewed commitment to the covenant with Yahweh, emphasizing the importance of obedience to the Law.
· Community and Identity: The issue of intermarriage and the subsequent reforms underscore the importance of maintaining a distinct community identity in the face of external influences.
· Leadership and Dissent: Jahaziah's opposition illustrates the presence of dissenting voices within the community, highlighting the challenges leaders face in achieving consensus.

Cross-References:
· Ezra 10:15 : "Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahaziah son of Tikvah opposed this, with Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supporting them."
· Ezra 9-10: These chapters provide the broader context of the reforms and the community's response to Ezra's leadership.

Conclusion: Jahaziah's brief mention in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the diverse perspectives within the Jewish community during a pivotal time in their history. His opposition to Ezra's reforms invites reflection on the balance between legalistic adherence to religious laws and the pastoral care of individuals within the faith community.Jahaziah

the vision of the Lord

JAHAZIAH

ja-ha-zi'-a: the King James Version for JAHZEIAH (which see).

3167. Yachzeyah -- "Yah sees," an Israelite
... NASB Word Usage Jahzeiah (1). Jahaziah. From chazah and Yahh; Jah will behold;
Jachzejah, an Israelite -- Jahaziah. see HEBREW chazah. see HEBREW Yahh. ...
/hebrew/3167.htm - 6kJahaziah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JAHAZIAH. ja-ha-zi'-a: the King James Version for
JAHZEIAH (which see). Multi-Version Concordance Jahaziah (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/jahaziah.htm - 6k

Jahaziel (6 Occurrences)

/j/jahaziel.htm - 10k

Jahazah (3 Occurrences)

/j/jahazah.htm - 7k

Employed (8 Occurrences)
... Ezra 10:15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed
about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them. ...
/e/employed.htm - 9k

Shabbethai (3 Occurrences)
... Kuenen, however, renders the phrase `amedhu `al zo'th, of which Asahiel and Jahaziah
are the subjects, to mean "stand over," "have charge of," rather than ...
/s/shabbethai.htm - 9k

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