Melchiah
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Name Meaning: The name Melchiah, also spelled Malchiah or Malchijah, is derived from the Hebrew "מַלְכִּיָּה" (Malkiyyah), meaning "Yahweh is my king" or "my king is Yahweh."

Biblical References:

1. Priestly Lineage: Melchiah is mentioned as a member of the priestly lineage in the Old Testament. In 1 Chronicles 6:40 , he is listed among the descendants of Levi, indicating his role within the Levitical priesthood: "The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah."

2. Repairer of the Wall: Another notable Melchiah is mentioned in the context of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah's leadership. Nehemiah 3:11 states, "Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Ovens." This Melchiah was involved in the restoration efforts, highlighting his commitment to the community and the worship of God.

3. Gatekeeper: In Nehemiah 3:31 , Melchiah is also identified as a goldsmith who repaired a section of the wall near the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate. This indicates his involvement in both religious and civic duties.

4. Prophetic Context: In the book of Jeremiah, Melchiah is mentioned in a different context. Jeremiah 38:6 recounts, "So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes. Now there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud." This Melchiah, identified as the king's son, was associated with the imprisonment of the prophet Jeremiah, reflecting the political and religious tensions of the time.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Melchiah's appearances in the biblical narrative highlight various aspects of Israelite society, including the priesthood, civic responsibility, and the complex interplay between political authority and prophetic ministry. The name itself, meaning "Yahweh is my king," underscores a theological affirmation of God's sovereignty, which is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures.

The involvement of individuals named Melchiah in both the religious and civic spheres illustrates the integration of faith and daily life in ancient Israel. Their contributions to the community, whether through priestly service, construction efforts, or interactions with prophets, reflect a commitment to upholding the covenant relationship with God and the well-being of the nation.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, names often carried significant meaning and were reflective of personal or familial devotion. The name Melchiah, with its explicit reference to Yahweh as king, would have served as a constant reminder of the divine kingship and the call to live in accordance with God's commandments.

Conclusion:

The various individuals named Melchiah in the Bible serve as examples of faithfulness, service, and the complexities of living out one's faith in a community. Their accounts contribute to the rich tapestry of biblical history and theology, offering insights into the enduring relationship between God and His people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Melchiah

God is my king

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Melchiah

(Jehovah's king), a priest, the father of Pashur. (Jeremiah 21:1)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MELCHIAH

mel-ki'-a (malkhiyah, "Yah's king"): A priest and father of Pashur (Jeremiah 21:1 the King James Version); elsewhere and in the Revised Version (British and American) called MALCHIAH and MALCHIJAH (which see).

Thesaurus
Melchiah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MELCHIAH. mel-ki'-a (malkhiyah ... which see).
Multi-Version Concordance Melchiah (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 21 ...
/m/melchiah.htm - 7k

Pashur (12 Occurrences)
... "Terror on every side" (maghor miccabhibh) is to take the place of "stable strength"
(Jeremiah 20:3). (2) Son of Melchiah, a prince of Judah, and one of the ...
/p/pashur.htm - 14k

Melchias

/m/melchias.htm - 6k

Melchi (2 Occurrences)

/m/melchi.htm - 7k

Malchijah (15 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah was cast into his dungeon or pit (Jeremiah 38:6). The King James Version
spells "Malchiah" or "Malchijah" indifferently with "Melchiah" in Jeremiah 21 ...
/m/malchijah.htm - 14k

Pashhur (12 Occurrences)
... "Terror on every side" (maghor miccabhibh) is to take the place of "stable strength"
(Jeremiah 20:3). (2) Son of Melchiah, a prince of Judah, and one of the ...
/p/pashhur.htm - 12k

Resources
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Concordance
Melchiah (1 Occurrence)

Jeremiah 21:1
The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,
(KJV WBS)

Subtopics

Melchiah

Related Terms

Malchijah (15 Occurrences)

Melchiah (1 Occurrence)

Melchiel

Melchi: Ancestor of Jesus: Remote Ancestor of Jesus
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