Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name Hodaviah is of Hebrew origin, meaning "praise of Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my splendor." It reflects a common practice in ancient Israel of incorporating the name of God (Yahweh) into personal names, signifying a relationship or attribute associated with God. Biblical References: Hodaviah is a name that appears several times in the Old Testament, associated with different individuals across various genealogies and contexts. 1. Descendant of Manasseh: In 1 Chronicles 5:24, Hodaviah is mentioned as a leader among the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. The verse states: "These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families." 2. Levite Ancestor: Another Hodaviah is noted in the genealogies of the Levites. In 1 Chronicles 9:7, he is listed as a descendant of Benjamin: "From the Benjamites: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah." This reference places Hodaviah within the context of the post-exilic community, emphasizing the restoration of the Levitical and priestly lines. 3. Returnee from Exile: In the book of Ezra, a group of returnees from the Babylonian exile is associated with a leader named Hodaviah. Ezra 2:40 mentions: "The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (through the line of Hodaviah), 74." This indicates that Hodaviah's lineage played a role in the reestablishment of the temple services in Jerusalem after the return from captivity. Theological Significance: The recurring mention of the name Hodaviah across different tribes and contexts highlights the importance of maintaining a connection to one's heritage and the covenant community. The name itself, meaning "praise of Yahweh," underscores a central theme in Israelite worship and identity—acknowledging and glorifying God in all aspects of life. Historical and Cultural Context: The individuals named Hodaviah lived during significant periods in Israel's history, including the time of the judges, the monarchy, and the post-exilic restoration. These eras were marked by challenges and transitions, where leadership and faithfulness to God's covenant were crucial. The presence of Hodaviah in these genealogies reflects the continuity of God's promises through various generations and the role of families in preserving religious and cultural identity. Role in Israel's Community: As leaders, warriors, and Levites, those named Hodaviah contributed to the spiritual and social fabric of Israel. Their inclusion in the biblical record serves as a testament to their faithfulness and the enduring legacy of their service to God and the community. The Levite Hodaviah, in particular, represents the ongoing commitment to worship and temple service, which was central to Israel's relationship with God. Conclusion: The name Hodaviah, appearing in various genealogical records, signifies the enduring legacy of faith and leadership within the Israelite community. Through these individuals, the biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of praising Yahweh and maintaining a steadfast commitment to His covenant across generations. Concordance Hod'avi'ah (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 3:24 Thesaurus Hod'avi'ah (1 Occurrence)Hod'avi'ah. Hodavi'ah, Hod'avi'ah. Hodeiah . Multi-Version Concordance Hod'avi'ah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 3:24 And the sons ... /h/hod'avi'ah.htm - 6k Hodavi'ah (3 Occurrences) Hodeiah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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