Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Ahikam is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized for his role during the tumultuous period of Judah's history leading up to the Babylonian exile. His name, meaning "My brother has risen" or "My brother has established," reflects a heritage of faith and leadership within the community of Israel.Family and Background Ahikam was the son of Shaphan, a scribe and a prominent official in the court of King Josiah of Judah. Shaphan played a significant role in the religious reforms initiated by Josiah, particularly in the discovery and promulgation of the Book of the Law found in the temple (2 Kings 22:3-14). Ahikam's family was deeply involved in the spiritual and political life of Judah, with his brothers Gemariah and Elasah also serving in significant capacities. Role in the Reign of Josiah Ahikam is first mentioned in the context of King Josiah's reform efforts. He was one of the officials sent by Josiah to consult the prophetess Huldah regarding the words of the Book of the Law that had been found (2 Kings 22:12-14). This consultation led to a renewed covenant and a series of reforms aimed at eradicating idolatry and restoring proper worship in Judah. Protector of Jeremiah Ahikam is perhaps best known for his support and protection of the prophet Jeremiah. During the reign of King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah faced significant opposition due to his prophecies of impending judgment and calls for repentance. In Jeremiah 26, after Jeremiah delivered a message in the temple that angered the priests and prophets, a mob sought to put him to death. Ahikam, however, intervened to protect Jeremiah, ensuring that he was not handed over to the people to be killed (Jeremiah 26:24). The Berean Standard Bible states, "Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death." Legacy and Influence Ahikam's influence extended beyond his own lifetime through his descendants. His son, Gedaliah, was appointed by the Babylonians as governor over the remnant of Judah after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:22). Gedaliah's leadership was marked by efforts to stabilize the region and encourage the people to live peacefully under Babylonian rule, although his tenure was tragically cut short by assassination. Ahikam's legacy is one of faithfulness and courage. His actions in support of Jeremiah highlight the importance of standing for truth and justice, even in the face of widespread opposition. His family's continued involvement in the affairs of Judah underscores the lasting impact of his commitment to God's purposes during a critical period in Israel's history. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Ahikama brother who raises up or avenges Smith's Bible Dictionary Ahikam(a brother who raises up), son of Shaphan the scribe, an influential officer at the court of Josiah, was one of the delegates sent by Hilkaih to consult Huldah. (2 Kings 22:12-14) In the reign of Jehoiakim he successfully used his influence to protect the prophet Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 26:24) He was the father of Gedaliah. [GEDALIAH] (B.C. 641). ATS Bible Dictionary AhikamSent by Josiah to Huldah the prophetess, when the book of the law was found in the temple, 2 Kings 22:12. He afterwards nobly befriended the prophet Jeremiah, Jeremiah 26:24; 39:14. Easton's Bible Dictionary Brother of support = helper, one of the five whom Josiah sent to consult the prophetess Huldah in connection with the discovery of the book of the law (2 Kings 22:12-14; 2 Chronicles 34:20). He was the son of Shaphan, the royal secretary, and the father of Gedaliah, governor of Judea after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25:22; Jeremiah 40:5-16; 43:6). On one occasion he protected Jeremiah against the fury of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:24). It was in the chamber of another son (Germariah) of Shaphan that Baruch read in the ears of all the people Jeremiah's roll. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AHIKAMa-hi'-kam ('achiqam, "my brother has risen up"): A prominent man of the time of King Josiah and the following decades (2 Kings 22:12, 14; 2 Kings 25:22 2 Chronicles 34:20 Jeremiah 26:24; Jeremiah 39:14; Jeremiah 40:5; 41:1; 43:6). He was the son of Shaphan, who very likely is to be identified with Shaphan the scribe, who was at that time so prominent. Ahikam was the father of Gedaliah, whom, on the capture of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar made governor of the land. Ahikam was a member of the deputation sent by Josiah to the prophetess Huldah to consult her concerning the contents of the Book of the Law which had been found. Under Jehoiakim he had sufficient influence to protect Jeremiah from being put to death. On the capture of Jerusalem Nebuchadnezzar committed Jeremiah into the care of Gedaliah. It is clear that both Shaphan and his son, like Jeremiah, belonged to the party which held that the men of Judah were under obligation to keep the oath which they had sworn to the tang of Babylon. Strong's Hebrew 296. Achiqam -- "my brother has arisen," an Israelite... "my brother has arisen," an Israelite. Transliteration: Achiqam Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-kawm') Short Definition: Ahikam. ... NASB Word Usage Ahikam (20). Ahikam. ... /hebrew/296.htm - 6k Library The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects The Young Josiah and the Book of the Law From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605. Josiah and the Newly Found Law And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. ) Index of Names and Subjects. How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea ... Book ii. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Thesaurus Ahikam (20 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AHIKAM. ...Ahikam was the father of Gedaliah, whom, on the capture of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar made governor of the land. ... /a/ahikam.htm - 16k Ahi'kam (19 Occurrences) Gedali'ah (28 Occurrences) Nethani'ah (20 Occurrences) Shaphan (26 Occurrences) Nethaniah (20 Occurrences) Ish'mael (40 Occurrences) Gedaliah (31 Occurrences) Nebuzaradan (16 Occurrences) Asaiah (8 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Ahikam (20 Occurrences)2 Kings 22:12 2 Kings 22:14 2 Kings 25:22 2 Chronicles 34:20 Jeremiah 26:24 Jeremiah 39:14 Jeremiah 40:5 Jeremiah 40:6 Jeremiah 40:7 Jeremiah 40:9 Jeremiah 40:11 Jeremiah 40:14 Jeremiah 40:16 Jeremiah 41:1 Jeremiah 41:2 Jeremiah 41:6 Jeremiah 41:10 Jeremiah 41:16 Jeremiah 41:18 Jeremiah 43:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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