Maaziah is a name found in the Old Testament, specifically associated with the priestly divisions established by King David. The name Maaziah means "consolation of the Lord" or "Yahweh is a refuge," reflecting the deep spiritual heritage and responsibilities of those who bore this name.

Priestly Division

Maaziah is most notably recognized as the head of the twenty-fourth division of priests. In 1 Chronicles 24:18, the division of Maaziah is listed among the twenty-four priestly courses established by King David. These divisions were created to organize the service of the priests in the Temple, ensuring that the worship and sacrifices were conducted in an orderly and continuous manner. The passage reads: "the twenty-third to Delaiah, and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah" (1 Chronicles 24:18).

The division of Maaziah, like the other priestly courses, would have been responsible for serving in the Temple at specific times throughout the year. This system allowed for a structured rotation, enabling the priests to fulfill their duties while also attending to their personal and familial responsibilities.

Historical Context

The establishment of the priestly divisions is attributed to King David, who, under divine guidance, organized the Levitical priesthood to serve in the Temple that his son Solomon would later build. This organization is detailed in 1 Chronicles 24, where the descendants of Aaron are divided into twenty-four groups. Each division was assigned specific times to minister in the Temple, ensuring that the worship of Yahweh was maintained with reverence and continuity.

The division of Maaziah, being the last of the twenty-four, would have had its own unique time and responsibilities within this sacred rotation. The priests of Maaziah, like their counterparts, were tasked with offering sacrifices, maintaining the holy place, and leading the people in worship and prayer.

Post-Exilic Period

After the Babylonian exile, the priestly divisions were reestablished as the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the Temple. The book of Nehemiah mentions the priests and Levites who returned to serve in the Second Temple, although Maaziah is not specifically named in this context. However, the continuity of the priestly divisions suggests that the descendants of Maaziah likely resumed their ancestral duties.

Significance

The division of Maaziah, as part of the larger priestly system, played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. The priests were intermediaries between God and the people, responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the Temple and ensuring that the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and Israel was upheld. The name Maaziah, meaning "consolation of the Lord," underscores the comforting and protective role that the priesthood was intended to provide for the nation.

In summary, Maaziah represents both a historical and spiritual legacy within the biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of order, devotion, and continuity in the worship of God. The division of Maaziah, like the other priestly courses, contributed to the rich tapestry of Israel's religious heritage, serving as a testament to the enduring faith and commitment of the Levitical priesthood.Maaziah

(consolation of Jehovah).

1. One of the priests who signed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:8)
2. A priest in the reign of David, head of the twenty-fourth course. (1 Chronicles 24:18)

Strength or consolation of Jehovah.

(1.) The head of the twenty-fourth priestly course (1 Chronicles 24:18) in David's reign.

(2.) A priest (Nehemiah 10:8).

MAAZIAH

ma-a-zi'-a (ma`azyahu):

(1) The priest to whom fell the lot for the 24th course (1 Chronicles 24:18).

(2) One of those who took part in sealing the covenant (Nehemiah 10:8).

4590. Maazyah -- two Israelites priests
... two Israelites priests. Transliteration: Maazyah or Maazyahu Phonetic Spelling:
(mah-az-yaw') Short Definition: Maaziah. ... priests NASB Word Usage Maaziah (2). ...
/hebrew/4590.htm - 6kMaaziah (2 Occurrences)
...MAAZIAH. ma-a-zi'-a (ma`azyahu): (1) The priest to whom fell the lot for the 24th
course (1 Chronicles 24:18). ... Multi-Version Concordance Maaziah (2 Occurrences). ...
/m/maaziah.htm - 7k

Ma-azi'ah (2 Occurrences)
Ma-azi'ah. Maaziah, Ma-azi'ah. Mabdai . ... Ma-azi'ah (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles
24:18 the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. (See RSV). ...
/m/ma-azi'ah.htm - 6k

Twentieth (34 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 24:18 The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and
twentieth to Maaziah. (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles ...
/t/twentieth.htm - 18k

Twenty-third (7 Occurrences)
... years. (BBE NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 24:18 the twenty-third to Delaiah,
the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. (WEB BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/twenty-third.htm - 8k

Twenty-fourth (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Twenty-fourth (9 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 24:18 the
twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. (WEB BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV) ...
/t/twenty-fourth.htm - 9k

Delai'ah (6 Occurrences)
... Anani, seven. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 24:18 the three and twentieth to Delaiah,
the four and twentieth to Maaziah. (See RSV). Ezra ...
/d/delai'ah.htm - 7k

Delaiah (7 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 24:18 the twenty-third to Delaiah,
the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/d/delaiah.htm - 10k

Ma'az (1 Occurrence)
Ma'az. Maaz, Ma'az. Maaziah . Multi-Version Concordance Ma'az (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Maaz, Ma'az. Maaziah . Reference Bible.
/m/ma'az.htm - 6k

Bilgai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bilgai (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai,
Shemaiah; these were the priests. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/b/bilgai.htm - 7k

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