Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Nethaniah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily within the context of the narratives surrounding the Kingdom of Judah during the tumultuous period following the Babylonian conquest. The name Nethaniah means "given of the LORD" or "gift of the LORD," reflecting a common theophoric element in Hebrew names that acknowledges God's sovereignty and benevolence.1. Lineage and Family Connections: Nethaniah is identified as the son of Elishama, a member of the royal family of Judah. This connection places Nethaniah within the broader context of the Davidic lineage, which is significant in understanding the political and social dynamics of the time. Elishama is believed to be a descendant of David, which would make Nethaniah a distant relative of the Judean kings. 2. Role in the Assassination of Gedaliah: Nethaniah is most prominently mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah and the Book of 2 Kings in connection with his son, Ishmael. Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, plays a critical role in the events following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. After the fall of Jerusalem, Gedaliah was appointed governor over the remnant of Judah by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, assassinated Gedaliah, an act that had significant repercussions for the remaining Judean community. This event is recorded in Jeremiah 40:8 and 2 Kings 25:23, where Ishmael is described as "of the royal family and one of the chief officers of the king." · Jeremiah 40:8 : "So they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—along with Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite—they and their men." · 2 Kings 25:23 : "When all the captains of the armies and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah as governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—along with Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan son of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite—they and their men." 3. Political Implications: The assassination of Gedaliah by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, was a pivotal moment that led to further instability and fear among the people of Judah. It resulted in the flight of many Judeans to Egypt, fearing retribution from the Babylonians. This act of violence is seen as a rejection of Babylonian authority and a desperate attempt to restore some semblance of Judean autonomy, albeit with tragic consequences. 4. Theological Reflections: From a theological perspective, the actions of Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, can be seen as part of the broader narrative of Israel's struggle with faithfulness to God amidst political turmoil. The assassination of Gedaliah is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the failure to trust in God's plans, as the prophet Jeremiah had urged the people to submit to Babylonian rule as part of God's judgment and eventual restoration. Nethaniah's mention in the biblical text, though brief, is significant due to his connection to these critical historical and theological events. His legacy is primarily carried through the actions of his son, Ishmael, whose decisions had lasting impacts on the remnant of Judah during a period of great uncertainty and change. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary NethaniahSmith's Bible Dictionary Nethaniah(given of Jehovah).
Easton's Bible Dictionary Given of Jehovah. (1.) One of Asaph's sons, appointed by David to minister in the temple (1 Chronicles 25:2, 12). (2.) A Levite sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the law (2 Chronicles 17:8). (3.) Jeremiah 36:14. (4.) 2 Kings 25:23, 25. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NETHANIAHneth-a-ni'-a (nethanyahu, "Yah has given"; Nathanias): Strong's Hebrew 5418. Nethanyah -- "given of Yah," the name of several Israelites... "given of Yah," the name of several Israelites. Transliteration: Nethanyah or Nethanyahu Phonetic Spelling: (neth-an-yaw') Short Definition: Nethaniah. ... Nethaniah ... /hebrew/5418.htm - 6k Library Jehoshaphat's Reform The Writing of an Ancient Book Thesaurus Nethaniah (20 Occurrences)...NETHANIAH. neth-a-ni'-a (nethanyahu, "Yah has given"; Nathanias): (1) An Asaphite musician (1 Chronicles 25:2, 12). ...Nethaniah (20 Occurrences). ... /n/nethaniah.htm - 15k Nethani'ah (20 Occurrences) Ish'mael (40 Occurrences) Gedali'ah (28 Occurrences) Joha'nan (25 Occurrences) Ahi'kam (19 Occurrences) Kareah (14 Occurrences) Kare'ah (14 Occurrences) Ahikam (20 Occurrences) Johanan (31 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Nethaniah (20 Occurrences)2 Kings 25:23 2 Kings 25:25 1 Chronicles 25:2 1 Chronicles 25:12 2 Chronicles 17:8 Jeremiah 36:14 Jeremiah 40:8 Jeremiah 40:14 Jeremiah 40:15 Jeremiah 41:1 Jeremiah 41:2 Jeremiah 41:6 Jeremiah 41:7 Jeremiah 41:9 Jeremiah 41:10 Jeremiah 41:11 Jeremiah 41:12 Jeremiah 41:15 Jeremiah 41:16 Jeremiah 41:18 Subtopics Nethaniah: A Singer, and Chief of the Temple Musicians Related Terms |
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