Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Hodeiah" is of Hebrew origin, and it is generally understood to mean "praise of Yahweh" or "majesty of Yahweh." The name 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: Hodeiah is mentioned in the context of the post-exilic community of Israel. The name appears in the genealogical records of the Book of Nehemiah, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. · Nehemiah 7:43 : "The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel, through the line of Hodaviah), 74." In this passage, Hodeiah is listed among the Levites who returned to Jerusalem. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, and their return was crucial for the restoration of proper worship in the rebuilt temple. · Nehemiah 8:7 : "The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places." Here, Hodeiah is mentioned as one of the Levites who helped instruct the people in the Law of God during the public reading of the Torah by Ezra. This event was significant in re-establishing the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Historical and Theological Context: The mention of Hodeiah in the Book of Nehemiah places him in the period following the Babylonian exile, during the time of the Persian Empire. This was a pivotal era for the Jewish people, as they were allowed to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple under the decree of Cyrus the Great. The role of the Levites, including Hodeiah, was essential in re-establishing the religious and social order according to the Mosaic Law. Theologically, the inclusion of Hodeiah in the genealogical and narrative records underscores the importance of continuity and faithfulness to God's covenant. The Levites, as custodians of the Law and temple service, were instrumental in guiding the people back to a life centered on worship and obedience to God. Cultural Significance: Names like Hodeiah, which incorporate the name of Yahweh, reflect the deep spiritual and cultural identity of the Israelites. Such names were not merely identifiers but carried theological significance, often expressing the parents' faith and hopes for their children. In the case of Hodeiah, the name itself serves as a reminder of the centrality of praise and acknowledgment of God's majesty in the life of the community. Conclusion: While Hodeiah is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the lists of Levites highlights the collective effort of the post-exilic community to restore their religious heritage. The Levites' role in teaching and leading worship was vital for the spiritual renewal of Israel, and Hodeiah's participation in this process is a testament to the enduring legacy of those who served in the house of the Lord. Concordance Hodeiah (1 Occurrence)Nehemiah 7:43 Thesaurus Hodeiah (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Hodeiah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four. ... /h/hodeiah.htm - 6k Hodevah (1 Occurrence) Kad'mi-el (8 Occurrences) Hodaviah (6 Occurrences) Hod'avi'ah (1 Occurrence) Hodesh (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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