Habazziniah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He is identified as the ancestor of the Rechabites, a nomadic clan known for their strict adherence to a lifestyle of abstinence from wine and a commitment to living in tents, as commanded by their forefather Jonadab, son of Rechab.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Habazziniah is found in Jeremiah 35:3, where the prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to bring the Rechabites into the house of the Lord and offer them wine. The verse reads: "So I brought Jaazaniah son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah, and his brothers and all his sons—the entire house of the Rechabites—" (Jeremiah 35:3). This passage highlights Habazziniah as the grandfather of Jaazaniah, who is a leader among the Rechabites during the time of Jeremiah.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Rechabites were a clan that traced their lineage back to Jonadab, who lived during the time of King Jehu of Israel (2 Kings 10:15-23). Jonadab is noted for his zeal in eradicating Baal worship from Israel. The Rechabites maintained a distinct identity within Israel by adhering to Jonadab's command to abstain from wine, avoid building houses, and live as nomads. This lifestyle was intended to keep them separate from the influences of settled, urban life and to preserve their devotion to God.

Significance in Jeremiah 35:

In Jeremiah 35, the Rechabites' obedience to their ancestral command is contrasted with the disobedience of the people of Judah to God's commands. Despite being offered wine in the temple, the Rechabites refuse to drink, demonstrating their faithfulness to their forefather's instructions. This act serves as a powerful object lesson for the people of Judah, highlighting their failure to listen to God's prophets and adhere to His covenant.

Theological Implications:

Habazziniah, through his descendants, becomes a symbol of faithfulness and obedience. The Rechabites' steadfastness is commended by God, who promises them a lasting legacy: "Therefore, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Rechab will never fail to have a man to stand before Me always.'" (Jeremiah 35:19). This promise underscores the value of obedience and the blessings that come from living a life set apart for God.

Legacy:

While Habazziniah himself is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his mention in the lineage of the Rechabites connects him to a legacy of faithfulness. The Rechabites' example serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to godly principles and the impact of a righteous heritage. Through the account of the Rechabites, Habazziniah's name is preserved in the biblical record as part of a testimony to the enduring power of obedience to God's commands.2262. Chabatstsanyah -- a Rechabite
... 2261, 2262. Chabatstsanyah. 2263 . a Rechabite. Transliteration: Chabatstsanyah
Phonetic Spelling: (khab-ats-tsan-yaw') Short Definition: Habazziniah. ...
/hebrew/2262.htm - 6kHabazziniah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Habazziniah (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 35:3 Then
I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah...
/h/habazziniah.htm - 6k

Habaziniah (1 Occurrence)
... Thus in the King James Version, but more correctly as in the Revised Version (British
and American) HABAZZINIAH, hab-a-zi-ni'-a (Jeremiah 35, 3)): The ...
/h/habaziniah.htm - 7k

Habazzini'ah (1 Occurrence)
Habazzini'ah. Habazziniah, Habazzini'ah. Habergeon . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Habazziniah, Habazzini'ah. Habergeon . Reference Bible.
/h/habazzini'ah.htm - 6k

Jaazaniah (5 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah,
and his brothers, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites ...
/j/jaazaniah.htm - 11k

Ja-azani'ah (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah,
and his brothers, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites ...
/j/ja-azani'ah.htm - 7k

Recabites (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:3 And I take Jaazaniah son of Jeremiah, son of Habazziniah, and his
brethren, and all his sons, and all the house of the Rechabites, (See NIV). ...
/r/recabites.htm - 7k

Re'chabites (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah,
and his brothers, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites ...
/r/re'chabites.htm - 7k

Rechabites (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah,
and his brothers, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites ...
/r/rechabites.htm - 13k

Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 35:3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah,
and his brothers, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites ...
/j/jeremiah.htm - 75k

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