Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Ahiah, also spelled Ahijah, is a name found in the Old Testament, meaning "brother of the Lord" or "my brother is Yahweh." Several individuals bear this name, each playing distinct roles in the biblical narrative. The most notable Ahiah is the prophet during the reign of King Jeroboam I of Israel. Ahiah the Prophet: Ahiah the Shilonite is a significant prophetic figure in the early history of the divided kingdom of Israel. He is first introduced in 1 Kings 11:29-31, where he delivers a pivotal prophecy to Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. Ahiah meets Jeroboam on the road and tears a new cloak into twelve pieces, symbolically handing ten pieces to Jeroboam. This act signifies God's intention to tear the kingdom from Solomon's son and give ten tribes to Jeroboam, leaving only one tribe for the house of David. This prophecy sets the stage for the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's death. Ahiah's role as a prophet is further highlighted in 1 Kings 14. When Jeroboam's son Abijah falls ill, Jeroboam sends his wife in disguise to consult Ahiah, who is now old and blind. Despite her disguise, Ahiah receives a revelation from God and delivers a harsh message of judgment against Jeroboam's house due to the king's idolatry and sin. Ahiah foretells the death of the child and the eventual downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Other Individuals Named Ahiah: 1. Ahiah, Son of Ahitub: In 1 Samuel 14:3, Ahiah is mentioned as the son of Ahitub, serving as a priest during King Saul's reign. He is identified as wearing an ephod, indicating his priestly role. Ahiah is present during the events surrounding Jonathan's attack on the Philistine garrison, highlighting the religious leadership present in Saul's court. 2. Ahiah, a Benjamite: In 1 Chronicles 8:7, Ahiah is listed among the descendants of Benjamin. This genealogical mention provides insight into the tribal affiliations and family lineages within the tribe of Benjamin. 3. Ahiah, a Levite: In 1 Chronicles 26:20, Ahiah is noted as a Levite responsible for the treasuries of the house of God. This role underscores the importance of the Levitical duties in maintaining the temple's resources and ensuring the proper worship of Yahweh. Theological Significance: The accounts of Ahiah, particularly the prophet, underscore the themes of divine sovereignty and judgment. Ahiah's prophecies to Jeroboam highlight God's control over the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as well as the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. His messages serve as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for faithfulness to God's commands. Ahiah's interactions with the kings of Israel illustrate the role of prophets as God's messengers, tasked with delivering both promises and warnings. The narratives involving Ahiah reflect the broader biblical theme of God's desire for His people to remain true to Him, and the inevitable judgment that follows when they stray from His ways. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AhiahATS Bible Dictionary AhiahSon of Ahitub, and high priest in the reign of Saul, 1 Samuel 14:3. He was probably the brother of his successor Ahimelech, slain by Saul, 1 Samuel 22:9. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AHIAHa-hi'-a: A variant in the King James Version (1 Samuel 14:3, 18 1 Kings 4:3 1 Chronicles 8:7) for AHIJAH, which see. Also in the Revised Version (British and American) (Nehemiah 10:26). Strong's Hebrew 281. Achiyyah -- "brother of Yah," an Israelite name... Word Origin from ach and Yah Definition "brother of Yah," an Isr. name NASB Word Usage Ahiah (1), Ahijah (22). Ahiah, Ahijah. Or ... /hebrew/281.htm - 6k Library Of the Two Kinds of Trials, which Come Upon us in a Three-Fold Way ... The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Thesaurus Ahiah (5 Occurrences)...AHIAH. a-hi'-a: A variant in the King James Version (1 Samuel 14:3, 18 1 Kings 4:3 1 Chronicles 8:7) for AHIJAH, which see. ...Ahiah (5 Occurrences). ... /a/ahiah.htm - 8k Ahijah (23 Occurrences) Ahi'ah (1 Occurrence) Jehosaphat (1 Occurrence) I-chabod's (1 Occurrence) I-chabod (2 Occurrences) Remembrancer (8 Occurrences) Chronicler (7 Occurrences) Ahimelech (17 Occurrences) Anan (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Ahiah (5 Occurrences)1 Samuel 14:3 1 Samuel 14:18 1 Kings 4:3 1 Chronicles 8:7 Nehemiah 10:26 Subtopics Ahiah: One of Solomon's Scribes Related Terms |