Topical Encyclopedia Name Meaning: The name Jezaniah is derived from the Hebrew "Yezanyahu," meaning "Yahweh has listened" or "Yahweh hears."Biblical References: Jezaniah is mentioned in the context of the tumultuous period following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. He appears in the Book of Jeremiah, specifically in Jeremiah 40:8 and 42:1, and is also referred to as Azariah in some translations, which can lead to some confusion in identifying him. Historical Context: After the fall of Jerusalem, the Babylonians appointed Gedaliah as governor over the remnant of Judah. Jezaniah, along with other leaders, came to Gedaliah at Mizpah. This was a time of great instability and uncertainty for the people of Judah, as they were grappling with the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest and the destruction of their city and temple. Role and Actions: 1. Association with Gedaliah: Jezaniah was one of the military leaders who aligned themselves with Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. In Jeremiah 40:8, it is recorded, "they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite, they and their men." 2. Seeking Divine Guidance: In Jeremiah 42:1, Jezaniah is part of the group that approaches the prophet Jeremiah to seek guidance from the LORD. The people, including Jezaniah, request Jeremiah to pray to the LORD on their behalf, asking for direction on whether they should remain in the land or flee to Egypt for safety. "Then all the commanders of the forces, along with Johanan son of Kareah, Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, approached." 3. Response to Jeremiah's Prophecy: Despite their initial request for divine guidance, Jezaniah and the others ultimately reject Jeremiah's counsel when it does not align with their desires. Jeremiah warns them against going to Egypt, but they accuse him of lying and decide to proceed with their plan to seek refuge there, demonstrating a lack of faith and trust in God's word delivered through the prophet. Theological Significance: Jezaniah's account highlights themes of leadership, obedience, and the consequences of disregarding divine guidance. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of trusting in God's plans, even when they seem contrary to human wisdom or desires. The narrative underscores the challenges faced by the remnant of Judah in maintaining faithfulness amidst political and social upheaval. Cultural and Historical Impact: Jezaniah's interactions with Gedaliah and Jeremiah reflect the broader struggles of the Jewish people during the Babylonian exile. His account is a part of the larger narrative of the remnant's efforts to navigate life under foreign rule while attempting to preserve their identity and faith. Concordance Jezani'ah (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 40:8 Thesaurus Jezani'ah (1 Occurrence)Jezani'ah. Jezaniah, Jezani'ah. Jezebel . Multi-Version Concordance Jezani'ah (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 40:8 and they come in unto ... /j/jezani'ah.htm - 6k Jezaniah (2 Occurrences) Jezebel (20 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |