Introduction:
Neri'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah. His name means "Lamp of the Lord" or "Light of Yahweh," reflecting a spiritual significance that aligns with his role in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:
Neri'ah is primarily known as the father of Baruch and Seraiah. Baruch served as the scribe and faithful companion of the prophet Jeremiah. The primary references to Neri'ah are found in the Book of Jeremiah.

1. Jeremiah 32:12 : "and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neri'ah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and of the witnesses who were signing the purchase deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard."

2. Jeremiah 36:4 : "So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neri'ah, and while Jeremiah dictated all the words that the LORD had spoken to him, Baruch wrote them on a scroll."

3. Jeremiah 51:59 : "This is the message that Jeremiah the prophet gave to Seraiah son of Neri'ah, the son of Mahseiah, when he went to Babylon with Zedekiah king of Judah in the fourth year of his reign. Seraiah was the quartermaster."

Role and Significance:
Neri'ah's significance in the biblical narrative is primarily through his sons, Baruch and Seraiah. Baruch, as the scribe of Jeremiah, played a crucial role in documenting the prophecies and messages that Jeremiah received from God. This documentation was vital for preserving the prophetic words that warned of the impending judgment on Judah and the hope of restoration.

Baruch's relationship with Jeremiah was one of trust and loyalty. He not only transcribed Jeremiah's prophecies but also read them publicly, even at great personal risk. This act of faithfulness underscores the importance of Neri'ah's lineage in the transmission of God's word during a tumultuous period in Judah's history.

Seraiah, another son of Neri'ah, is mentioned in the context of a mission to Babylon. His role as a quartermaster and his association with Jeremiah's prophetic activities further highlight the involvement of Neri'ah's family in significant historical and spiritual events.

Historical and Theological Context:
The period during which Neri'ah's sons were active was marked by political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. The Babylonian threat loomed large, and the messages of Jeremiah often went unheeded by the people and their leaders. In this context, the role of Baruch as a scribe was not merely administrative but deeply theological, as he helped to ensure that the divine messages were recorded and disseminated.

Neri'ah's mention in the genealogical context emphasizes the importance of family lineage in the biblical narrative. It reflects the continuity of faith and the transmission of divine revelation through generations. The faithfulness of Neri'ah's sons, particularly Baruch, serves as a testament to the enduring light of God's word amidst darkness and judgment.

Conclusion:
While Neri'ah himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his legacy is carried forward through his sons, who played pivotal roles in the ministry of Jeremiah. Their contributions to the preservation and proclamation of God's word highlight the significance of Neri'ah's family in the unfolding of biblical history.Neri'ah (8 Occurrences)

Jeremiah 32:12
And I give the purchase-book unto Baruch son of Neriah, son of Maaseiah, before the eyes of Hanameel, my uncle's son, and before the eyes of the witnesses, those writing in the purchase-book, before the eyes of all the Jews who are sitting in the court of the prison.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 32:16
And I pray unto Jehovah -- after my giving the purchase-book unto Baruch son of Neriah -- saying,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:4
And Jeremiah calleth Baruch son of Neriah, and Baruch writeth from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of Jehovah, that He hath spoken unto him, on a roll of a book.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:8
And Baruch son of Neriah doth according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, to read in the book the words of Jehovah in the house of Jehovah.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:14
and all the heads send unto Baruch, Jehudi son of Nethaniah, son of Shelemiah, son of Cushi, saying, 'The roll in which thou hast read in the ears of the people take in thy hand, and come.' And Baruch son of Neriah taketh the roll in his hand and cometh in unto them,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:32
And Jeremiah hath taken another roll, and giveth it unto Baruch son of Neriah the scribe, and he writeth on it from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book that Jehoiakim king of Judah hath burnt in the fire; and again there were added unto them many words like these.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 43:3
for Baruch son of Neriah is moving thee against us, in order to give us up into the hand of the Chaldeans, to put us to death, and to remove us to Babylon.'
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 51:59
The word that Jeremiah the prophet hath commanded Seraiah son of Neriah, son of Maaseiah, in his going with Zedekiah king of Judah to Babylon, in the fourth year of his reign -- and Seraiah 'is' a quiet prince;
(See RSV)

Neri'ah (8 Occurrences)
Neri'ah. Neriah, Neri'ah. Nerias . Multi-Version Concordance Neri'ah
(8 Occurrences). Jeremiah 32:12 And I give the purchase-book ...
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Neriah (10 Occurrences)

/n/neriah.htm - 10k

Nerias

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