Ephraim-Azariah is a figure mentioned in the context of the divided kingdom of Israel, specifically during the reign of King Asa of Judah. The name "Ephraim" is often associated with one of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim, while "Azariah" is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, meaning "Yahweh has helped."

Biblical Context

Ephraim-Azariah is primarily noted in 2 Chronicles 15, where he is identified as Azariah the son of Oded. This Azariah is a prophet who plays a significant role in the religious reforms of King Asa. The narrative occurs during a period of religious and political turmoil in the southern kingdom of Judah, following the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's reign.

Role and Message

Azariah, son of Oded, is sent by God to deliver a message to King Asa. The Bible records this encounter in 2 Chronicles 15:1-2 : "Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, 'Hear me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin: The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.'"

This message emphasizes the conditional nature of God's presence and favor, contingent upon the people's faithfulness and pursuit of God. Azariah's prophecy serves as both a warning and an encouragement, urging Asa and the people of Judah to remain steadfast in their devotion to the LORD.

Impact on King Asa's Reforms

Azariah's prophetic message had a profound impact on King Asa, prompting a series of religious reforms aimed at purifying the worship practices in Judah. Asa responded by removing the detestable idols from the land and repairing the altar of the LORD. The king also gathered the people of Judah and Benjamin, along with those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, to renew their covenant with God.

2 Chronicles 15:12-15 describes this covenant renewal: "Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with all their soul, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side."

Theological Significance

The account of Ephraim-Azariah underscores the importance of prophetic voices in guiding the spiritual direction of Israel and Judah. Azariah's message highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the blessings of obedience and the consequences of forsaking the LORD. This narrative serves as a reminder of the enduring principle that God's presence and favor are intimately linked to the faithfulness of His people.

Legacy

While Ephraim-Azariah does not appear frequently in the biblical text, his role as a prophet during a critical period in Judah's history is significant. His message to Asa contributed to a temporary period of religious renewal and peace in the kingdom. The account of Azariah, son of Oded, remains a testament to the power of prophetic ministry in calling God's people back to faithfulness and devotion.Ephraim-azariah (1 Occurrence)

2 Chronicles 28:12
Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Jehohanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,
(See NAS)

Ephraim-azariah (1 Occurrence)
Ephraim-azariah. E'phraim, Ephraim-azariah. Ephraimite .
Multi-Version Concordance Ephraim-azariah (1 Occurrence). 2 ...
/e/ephraim-azariah.htm - 6k

Ephraimite (6 Occurrences)

/e/ephraimite.htm - 8k

E'phraim (146 Occurrences)
E'phraim. Ephraim, E'phraim. Ephraim-azariah . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Continued... Ephraim, E'phraim. Ephraim-azariah . Reference Bible.
/e/e'phraim.htm - 35k

Jehohanan (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah
the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son ...
/j/jehohanan.htm - 12k

Joha'nan (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:12 And certain of the heads of the sons of Ephraim (Azariah son
of Johanan, Berechiah son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah son of Shallum, and ...
/j/joha'nan.htm - 13k

Jehizkiah (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 28:12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah
the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son ...
/j/jehizkiah.htm - 7k

Jehizki'ah (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 28:12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah
the son of Jehohanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son ...
/j/jehizki'ah.htm - 6k

Meshillemoth (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah
the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son ...
/m/meshillemoth.htm - 8k

Meshil'lemoth (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah
the son of Jehohanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son ...
/m/meshil'lemoth.htm - 7k

Berechi'ah (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah
the son of Jehohanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son ...
/b/berechi'ah.htm - 9k

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