Topical Encyclopedia Jaha'ziel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, known for his role as a prophet during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. His name, meaning "God sees" or "God watches over," reflects his prophetic calling and the divine message he delivered to the people of Judah.Biblical References: 1. 2 Chronicles 20:14-17 : Jaha'ziel is prominently featured in the narrative of 2 Chronicles 20, where he delivers a crucial message from God during a time of national crisis. The Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites had formed a coalition to wage war against Judah. King Jehoshaphat, alarmed by the impending threat, sought the Lord's guidance through prayer and fasting. In response, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jaha'ziel, who was a Levite and a descendant of Asaph. He stood in the assembly and proclaimed: "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the wilderness of Jeruel. You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” 2. Role and Impact: Jaha'ziel's prophecy was pivotal in encouraging the people of Judah and their king. His message emphasized reliance on divine intervention rather than military might. The assurance that "the battle is not yours, but God’s" provided the people with the faith and courage needed to face their adversaries. Following Jaha'ziel's prophecy, Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah worshiped the Lord, and the next day, they witnessed God's miraculous deliverance as their enemies turned against each other, leading to a decisive victory without Judah having to engage in battle. Lineage and Background: Jaha'ziel was a Levite of the sons of Asaph, indicating his involvement in the musical and worship aspects of the temple service. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, and the descendants of Asaph were particularly known for their role in leading worship through music and song. This background underscores Jaha'ziel's spiritual sensitivity and his readiness to receive and communicate God's message to the people. Theological Significance: Jaha'ziel's account highlights several key theological themes: · Divine Sovereignty: The narrative underscores God's control over the affairs of nations and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. · Faith and Obedience: Jaha'ziel's prophecy called for faith in God's promise and obedience to His instructions, demonstrating that trust in God leads to victory. · Prophetic Ministry: Jaha'ziel serves as an example of the prophetic ministry in the Old Testament, where prophets were instrumental in guiding and encouraging the people of God during critical times. Jaha'ziel's brief but impactful appearance in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the power of God's word delivered through His chosen servants, reminding believers of the importance of faith and reliance on divine guidance in times of trouble. Concordance Jaha'ziel (6 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 12:4 1 Chronicles 16:6 1 Chronicles 23:19 1 Chronicles 24:23 2 Chronicles 20:14 Ezra 8:5 Thesaurus Jaha'ziel (6 Occurrences)Jaha'ziel. Jahaziel, Jaha'ziel. Jahdai . Multi-Version Concordance Jaha'ziel (6 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 12:4 and Ishmaiah the ... /j/jaha'ziel.htm - 7k Jahaziel (6 Occurrences) Jahdai (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |