Jehiel is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, associated with various individuals who played significant roles in the history of Israel. The name Jehiel means "God lives" or "may God live," reflecting a theophoric element common in Hebrew names.

1. Jehiel, the Son of Hachmoni: He is mentioned as an attendant of King David, specifically as a tutor to the king's sons. In 1 Chronicles 27:32, the Berean Standard Bible states, "Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor; he was a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended the king’s sons."

2. Jehiel, the Levite: Another Jehiel is noted as a Levite who played a role in the religious reforms under King Hezekiah. In 2 Chronicles 29:14, he is listed among the Levites who helped cleanse the temple: "From the descendants of Heman: Jehiel and Shimei; from the descendants of Jeduthun: Shemaiah and Uzziel."

3. Jehiel, the Father of Obed-Edom: In 1 Chronicles 26:21, Jehiel is mentioned as the father of Obed-Edom, a gatekeeper of the Ark of the Covenant: "The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all."

4. Jehiel, the Ancestor of a Clan: In Ezra 8:9, Jehiel is listed as an ancestor of a clan that returned from Babylonian exile with Ezra: "of the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, and with him 218 men."

Jehiel's various appearances in the biblical narrative highlight the commonality of his name and the diverse roles individuals with this name played in Israel's history, from royal service to religious duties.

Uzziah

Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 8th century BC. His name means "Yahweh is my strength." Uzziah is remembered for his long and prosperous reign, as well as his eventual downfall due to pride.

1. Reign and Achievements: Uzziah became king at the age of sixteen and reigned for fifty-two years. His reign is noted for military successes, economic prosperity, and significant building projects. 2 Chronicles 26:4-5 states, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success."

2. Military and Economic Strength: Uzziah fortified Jerusalem, built towers, and developed a strong army. He also promoted agriculture and expanded Judah's territory. 2 Chronicles 26:15 highlights his innovations: "In Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped marvelously until he became strong."

3. Pride and Downfall: Uzziah's success led to pride, which ultimately resulted in his downfall. He unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, a duty reserved for priests. As a consequence, God struck him with leprosy. 2 Chronicles 26:19 recounts, "Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. But while he raged against the priests in their presence before the altar of incense in the LORD’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead."

4. Legacy: Despite his tragic end, Uzziah is remembered as a capable and effective ruler. His reign is often seen as a time of relative peace and prosperity for Judah. He was buried in a field for royal burials, as noted in 2 Chronicles 26:23 : "Uzziah rested with his fathers and was buried near them in a field for burial that belonged to the kings, for the people said, 'He was a leper.'"

Uzziah's life serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God, even for those in positions of great power and influence.