Lexical Summary Atsalyahu: Atsalyahu Original Word: אֲצַלְיָהוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Azaliah From 'atsal and Yahh prolonged; Jah has reserved; Atsaljah, an Israelite -- Azaliah. see HEBREW 'atsal see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom atsal and Yah Definition "Yah has reserved," an Isr. NASB Translation Azaliah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲצַלְיָ֫הוּ proper name, masculine (Yahweh hath reserved, or set apart) father of Shaphan the scribe 2 Kings 22:3; 2Chronicles 34:8. אצם (meaning dubious, compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Identity and family background Azaliah (אֲצַלְיָהוּ) is named in Scripture as the father of Shaphan the royal scribe who served King Josiah of Judah. Although Scripture does not state his tribal affiliation, Shaphan’s later work in the Temple and proximity to Hilkiah the high priest suggest a family deeply rooted in the worship and instruction of the LORD. Azaliah’s own father was Meshullam (2 Chronicles 34:8), situating him within a lineage that became increasingly influential during the final decades of the kingdom of Judah. Historical setting Azaliah lived during the seventh century B.C., a turbulent period marked by spiritual decline under kings Manasseh and Amon, followed by sweeping reforms under Josiah (640–609 B.C.). The nation was politically vulnerable between the waning Assyrian Empire and the rising Babylonian power. Within this atmosphere, faithful families such as Azaliah’s preserved the knowledge of the Law and were prepared to serve when revival came. Role in Josiah’s reforms While Azaliah himself is not portrayed in active ministry, his significance emerges through the service of his son. In the eighteenth year of Josiah, the king “sent the scribe Shaphan son of Azaliah son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD” (2 Kings 22:3). Shaphan became the courier of the rediscovered Book of the Law, read it before the king, and helped ignite nationwide repentance. Azaliah’s upbringing of Shaphan in reverence for Scripture and administrative skill directly influenced this pivotal moment in Judah’s history. The quiet, generational faithfulness of the father bore fruit in the public ministry of the son. Legacy and descendants Azaliah’s family line remained prominent for at least three further generations: This enduring influence suggests that Azaliah instilled both scriptural fidelity and civic responsibility in his household, qualities that blessed Judah even amid judgment. Theological reflections 1. Covenant faithfulness through generations: Azaliah illustrates how a parent’s devotion can shape national destiny long after one’s own lifetime (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Key references 2 Kings 22:3; 2 Chronicles 34:8 Forms and Transliterations אֲצַלְיָ֜הוּ אֲצַלְיָ֤הוּ אצליהו ’ă·ṣal·yā·hū ’ăṣalyāhū atzalYahuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 22:3 HEB: שָׁפָ֨ן בֶּן־ אֲצַלְיָ֤הוּ בֶן־ מְשֻׁלָּם֙ NAS: the son of Azaliah the son KJV: the son of Azaliah, the son INT: Shaphan the son of Azaliah the son of Meshullam 2 Chronicles 34:8 2 Occurrences |
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be angry).