Jechiliah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the royal lineage of the Kingdom of Judah. Her name is found in the genealogical records that detail the ancestry and family connections of the kings of Judah, providing insight into the maternal influences within the royal household.

Biblical Reference:

Jechiliah is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 26:3, where she is identified as the mother of King Uzziah (also known as Azariah), one of the notable kings of Judah. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jechiliah; she was from Jerusalem."

Historical Context:

Jechiliah lived during a period of significant transition and development in the Kingdom of Judah. Her son, Uzziah, ascended to the throne at a young age and had a long and prosperous reign, marked by military successes, economic prosperity, and infrastructural advancements. Uzziah's reign is often noted for its initial faithfulness to God, although it later faced challenges due to his pride and subsequent punishment.

Role and Influence:

While the biblical text provides limited information about Jechiliah's personal life and character, her mention as the mother of Uzziah highlights the importance of maternal figures in the royal lineage. In the ancient Near Eastern context, queens and mothers of kings often held significant influence within the court, potentially impacting the spiritual and political direction of the kingdom.

Jechiliah's identification as being "from Jerusalem" suggests her integration into the central life of the kingdom, possibly indicating her family's established presence and status within the city. This connection to Jerusalem, the political and spiritual heart of Judah, may have afforded her a position of respect and authority.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Jechiliah's mention in the genealogical records underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage and heritage. The maternal line is often highlighted in Scripture to demonstrate God's providential care and the fulfillment of His promises through successive generations. Jechiliah's role as the mother of Uzziah places her within the broader narrative of God's covenantal relationship with the house of David and the people of Judah.

In summary, Jechiliah, though briefly mentioned, is a significant figure in the biblical account of Judah's monarchy. Her role as the mother of King Uzziah places her within the lineage that contributed to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the history of Israel and Judah.JECHILIAH

jek-i-li'-a (yekhilyah). See JECHOLIAH; Kethibh and 2 Chronicles 26:3 the Revised Version (British and American), where Qere is yekholyah = "Jecoliah" (the King James Version).

3203. Yekolyah -- "Yah has been able," mother of King Azariah
... "Yah has been able," mother of King Azariah. Transliteration: Yekolyah or Yekolyahu
or Yekileyah Phonetic Spelling: (yek-ol-yaw') Short Definition: Jechiliah. ...
/hebrew/3203.htm - 6kJechiliah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JECHILIAH. jek-i-li'-a (yekhilyah). See JECHOLIAH ...
Version). Multi-Version Concordance Jechiliah (1 Occurrence). 2 ...
/j/jechiliah.htm - 7k

Jecamiah (1 Occurrence)

/j/jecamiah.htm - 6k

Jecoliah (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JECOLIAH. jek-o-li'-a: 2 Kings 15:2 2 Chronicles
26:3 the King James Version; see JECHILIAH; JECHOLIAH. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/j/jecoliah.htm - 7k

Jecholiah (2 Occurrences)

/j/jecholiah.htm - 7k

Fifty-two (10 Occurrences)
... 26:3 Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-two
years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jechiliah, of Jerusalem. ...
/f/fifty-two.htm - 8k

Sixteen (24 Occurrences)
... 26:3 Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-two
years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jechiliah, of Jerusalem. ...
/s/sixteen.htm - 14k

Queen (59 Occurrences)
... 1; compare 2 Chronicles 24:1); Jehoaddin (Jehoaddan, 2 Chronicles 25:1) of Jerusalem,
the mother of Amaziah (2 Kings 14:2); Jecoliah (Jechiliah, 2 Chronicles 26 ...
/q/queen.htm - 44k

Mother (2641 Occurrences)
... 1; compare 2 Chronicles 24:1); Jehoaddin (Jehoaddan, 2 Chronicles 25:1) of Jerusalem,
the mother of Amaziah (2 Kings 14:2); Jecoliah (Jechiliah, 2 Chronicles 26 ...
/m/mother.htm - 17k

Uzziah (27 Occurrences)
... 26:3 Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-two
years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jechiliah, of Jerusalem. ...
/u/uzziah.htm - 27k

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