Zechariah is a name that appears multiple times throughout the Bible, referring to different individuals. One of the most prominent figures is Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, and grandson of Iddo. He is known for the Book of Zechariah, which is part of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. Zechariah's prophetic ministry occurred during the post-exilic period, around 520-518 BC, and he played a crucial role in encouraging the Jewish people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile. His visions and prophecies are rich with Messianic themes and apocalyptic imagery, emphasizing the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate restoration of God's people. Zechariah 9:9 is a well-known prophecy that Christians believe foretells Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Benaiah

Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized for his valor and loyalty. He served as a commander in King David's army and was renowned for his mighty deeds. Benaiah is listed among David's mighty men, a group of elite warriors who performed extraordinary feats. One of his most famous acts was killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day, as well as defeating an Egyptian giant with the giant's own spear (2 Samuel 23:20-21). Benaiah's loyalty extended to Solomon, David's son, where he played a pivotal role in securing Solomon's kingship by executing those who opposed him, including Adonijah and Joab (1 Kings 2:25-34). Benaiah's faithfulness and courage exemplify the qualities of a devoted servant of God and king.

Jeiel

Jeiel is a name that appears several times in the Old Testament, referring to different individuals. One notable Jeiel is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:35 as the father of Gibeon, a Benjamite, and an ancestor of King Saul. Another Jeiel is listed among the Levites who played musical instruments during the reign of King David, contributing to the worship and praise in the temple (1 Chronicles 15:18, 21). The name Jeiel, meaning "God sweeps away" or "God gathers," reflects the diverse roles individuals with this name played in the history of Israel, from genealogical significance to participation in temple worship.

Mattaniah

Mattaniah is a biblical name that appears in various contexts, most notably as the original name of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. Mattaniah was the son of King Josiah and was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon, who changed his name to Zedekiah (2 Kings 24:17). His reign was marked by political turmoil and spiritual decline, ultimately leading to the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile in 586 BC. Despite the tragic end of his reign, the account of Mattaniah/Zedekiah serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant. Another Mattaniah is mentioned in the context of the Levitical singers during the time of Nehemiah, who played a role in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 12:35). The name Mattaniah, meaning "gift of Yahweh," underscores the varied contributions of those who bore it, from leadership to worship.