Who is the figure named Uriel?

Name and Meaning

The name “Uriel” carries the sense of illumination, often rendered “God is my light” or “the light of God.” In Hebrew, it is composed of “ūr” (light) and “ēl” (God). This name appears in several places throughout the Old Testament, bearing unique significance for each context where it is found.

Old Testament References

1. A Levite in the Line of Kohath

• One Uriel appears in the genealogies of the Levites in 1 Chronicles, tracing the line of Kohath.

• 1 Chronicles 6:24 lists him: “Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.”

• As a descendant of Levi through Kohath, Uriel’s lineage is linked to the group responsible for caretaking sacred items, underscoring his role in priestly service.

2. Chief Among the Kohathites

• In preparation for moving the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, King David gathered the Levites. Uriel was singled out as a leader among them:

– 1 Chronicles 15:5: “From the descendants of Kohath, Uriel the chief and 120 of his relatives.”

• His prominence is reiterated a few verses later when David summons key Levites to transport the Ark properly:

– 1 Chronicles 15:11: “Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, along with the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.”

• This passage highlights Uriel’s trusted position and his God-given duty to safeguard worship in Israel.

3. Uriel of Gibeah, the Ancestor of Royalty

• A separate Uriel, noted as “Uriel of Gibeah,” is identified in relation to the kingship of Judah:

– 2 Chronicles 13:2: “And he reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.”

• This verse places Uriel in the royal lineage. His daughter, Micaiah (also spelled Maacah in some translations), became the queen mother of King Abijah. This connection weaves Uriel into the heritage of the Davidic dynasty, linking him to major biblical narratives surrounding the monarchy in Judah.

Uriel in Extra-Biblical Writings

• Some post-biblical Jewish and Christian traditions refer to an Archangel Uriel, especially in apocryphal and pseudepigraphal texts such as 2 Esdras. These writings, while significant in certain historical faith communities, are not part of the standard Hebrew Bible or the New Testament canon recognized in conservative Protestant circles.

• Within those extra-biblical texts, Uriel is often portrayed as a messenger of divine insight. However, these references should be distinguished from the individuals explicitly named Uriel in the canonical Old Testament passages cited above.

Historical and Archaeological Context

• Gibeah, the region mentioned in 2 Chronicles 13:2, has been explored by archaeologists who have uncovered remnants from the Iron Age, suggesting a fortified site that could match the biblical period of the judges and the early monarchies. These findings affirm that the biblical references to towns like Gibeah are rooted in real locations.

• The genealogical records in 1 and 2 Chronicles, including the multiple mentions of Uriel, align with an ancient Near Eastern practice of preserving tribal and clan relationships. Scholars examining manuscripts such as those preserved at Qumran (the Dead Sea Scrolls) have noted the consistency of Chronicles’ genealogical data, adding further weight to the reliability of the biblical text.

Practical Relevance and Theological Reflection

• Although Uriel does not figure prominently like Moses or David, his appearances highlight the meticulous detail with which Scripture documents even lesser-known individuals. This underscores the biblical theme of God orchestrating His redemptive plan through families, tribes, and lineages.

• Uriel’s association with the Levites connects him to worship and service in the tabernacle—an essential aspect of Israel’s covenant life. From this we see the value placed on faithful service, as every role in the community of faith is significant in God’s sight.

Harmony with the Broader Biblical Narrative

• Chronicles’ genealogy points forward to the lineage that ultimately leads to the Messiah. While Uriel’s direct role in that lineage varies (particularly in the case of Uriel of Gibeah as part of the royal family background), the broader story reaffirms the scriptural principle that God works through historical lineage to bring about His promises.

• Scripture, corroborated by archaeological evidence and manuscript reliability studies, testifies that these records are trustworthy details in the tapestry of redemption. All such details connect to the overarching narrative fulfilled in Christ’s saving work—His death and resurrection providing the only hope for salvation, a central claim supported by robust historical and textual scrutiny.

Conclusion

Uriel is a lesser-known but noteworthy name in the Old Testament, primarily identified in the narratives of 1–2 Chronicles. The Levite Uriel highlights the importance of structured worship under David’s leadership, while Uriel of Gibeah links to the royal family line in Judah. The biblical witness and archaeological correlations underscore the historical credibility of these accounts.

Although extra-biblical traditions sometimes depict an Archangel Uriel, the canonical references are limited to the Levites and the ancestor of one of Judah’s kings. In every mention, the story of Uriel adds threads of faithfulness and continuity to Scripture’s unified message, pointing consistently to the Creator’s sovereign design, the historicity of His acts, and ultimately the redeeming work fulfilled in Christ.