Topical Encyclopedia Hephzi-Bah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament as the wife of King Hezekiah of Judah and the mother of King Manasseh. Her name, Hephzi-Bah, means "My delight is in her" in Hebrew, reflecting a sense of joy and favor. She is referenced in 2 Kings 21:1: "Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah."Historical Context Hephzi-Bah lived during a tumultuous period in the history of Judah. Her husband, Hezekiah, was one of the most righteous kings of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh. Hezekiah's reign is marked by his trust in God, especially during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Kings 18-19. Hezekiah's faith and leadership brought about a temporary spiritual revival in Judah. Role and Influence While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Hephzi-Bah's life or her role as queen, her position as the mother of Manasseh suggests she had a significant influence in the royal court. As queen, she would have been involved in the upbringing and education of her son, Manasseh, who succeeded Hezekiah as king. Unfortunately, Manasseh's reign is noted for its departure from his father's pious ways, as he led Judah into idolatry and practices detestable to the Lord (2 Kings 21:2-9). Theological Significance Hephzi-Bah's mention in the Bible, though brief, is significant in understanding the lineage and historical context of the Davidic dynasty. Her name is also symbolically used in Isaiah 62:4, where the prophet speaks of Zion's restoration: "No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride." This prophetic use of her name underscores the theme of divine favor and restoration, drawing a parallel between Hephzi-Bah's name and God's promise to His people. Cultural and Literary Impact Hephzi-Bah's legacy extends beyond the biblical narrative, as her name has been used in various literary and cultural contexts to symbolize beauty, delight, and divine favor. Her account, though not extensively detailed, serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of faith, leadership, and legacy within the biblical history of Judah. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 21:1Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah. Nave's Topical Index Library A Miracle of Grace The Second Commandment Resources What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.orgThe Haters: Christmas haters | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hephzi-Bah: A Prophetic Name of Jerusalem Related Terms |
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