No-Adiah
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No-Adiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. The name No-Adiah means "meeting with the LORD" or "assembly of the LORD" in Hebrew. This individual is noted for their opposition to Nehemiah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Reference:

No-Adiah is referenced in Nehemiah 6:14, where Nehemiah prays to God concerning the opposition he faces: "Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me" . This verse highlights No-Adiah as a prophetess who, along with other prophets, attempted to intimidate Nehemiah and hinder his efforts to restore Jerusalem.

Historical Context:

The Book of Nehemiah is set during the Persian period, specifically in the 5th century BC, when the Jewish people were returning from exile to rebuild their homeland. Nehemiah, serving as the governor of Judah under the Persian king Artaxerxes I, was tasked with the monumental project of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. This endeavor faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples and leaders, including Tobiah, Sanballat, and others who were threatened by the re-establishment of a fortified Jewish presence in the region.

Role and Significance:

No-Adiah's role as a prophetess suggests she held a position of religious influence. Her opposition to Nehemiah indicates that not all religious figures supported the rebuilding efforts, possibly due to political, social, or theological reasons. The mention of No-Adiah alongside other prophets implies a concerted effort by some religious leaders to undermine Nehemiah's authority and mission.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, No-Adiah's opposition to Nehemiah can be seen as a challenge to God's ordained plan for the restoration of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 6:14 reflects his reliance on God to deal with those who opposed His work. This highlights the theme of divine justice and the belief that God will ultimately vindicate His servants and purposes.

Lessons and Reflections:

The account of No-Adiah serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by God's people in fulfilling His purposes. It underscores the reality of opposition, even from within the religious community, and the importance of discernment and reliance on God in the face of such challenges. Nehemiah's response to opposition through prayer and steadfastness provides a model for believers in dealing with adversity while remaining committed to God's calling.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
No-Adiah

(whom Jehovah meets).

  1. A Levite, son of Binnui who with Meremoth, Eleazar and Jozabad weighed the vessels of gold and silver belonging to the temple which were brought back from Babylon. (Ezra 8:33) (B.C. 459.)
  2. The prophetess Noadiah joined Sanballet and Tobiah in their attempt to intimidate Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 6:14) (B.C. 445.)
Strong's Hebrew
5129. Noadyah -- "meeting with Yah," a Levite, also a prophetess
... Noadyah. 5130 . "meeting with Yah," a Levite, also a prophetess. Transliteration:
Noadyah Phonetic Spelling: (no-ad-yaw') Short Definition: Noadiah. ... Noadiah. ...
/hebrew/5129.htm - 6k
Library

Nehemiah, the Praying Builder
... and then again he turns to God in prayer: "My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat
according to these their works and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/viii nehemiah the praying builder.htm

Resources
What is a prophetess? Does the Bible mention any prophetesses? | GotQuestions.org

Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem? | GotQuestions.org

How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Noadiah
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