Topical Encyclopedia Amittai is a biblical figure known primarily as the father of the prophet Jonah. His name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Jonah and 2 Kings. The name "Amittai" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "truth" or "my truth," which may reflect the character or the aspirations of his lineage.Biblical References: 1. Jonah 1:1 : "Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying," This verse introduces Jonah as the son of Amittai, establishing his paternal lineage at the outset of the narrative. The mention of Amittai here serves to authenticate Jonah's identity and prophetic mission, grounding him in a historical and familial context. 2. 2 Kings 14:25 : "He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher." This passage situates Jonah, and by extension Amittai, within the historical framework of Israel's monarchy, specifically during the reign of Jeroboam II. It highlights Jonah's role as a prophet whose words were fulfilled in the geopolitical restoration of Israel's borders. Historical and Cultural Context: Amittai is identified as hailing from Gath-hepher, a town in the territory of Zebulun, as noted in 2 Kings 14:25. This geographical detail places Amittai and his family within the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The period during which Jonah, son of Amittai, prophesied was marked by political turbulence and moral decline, yet also by moments of national resurgence under leaders like Jeroboam II. Theological Significance: While Amittai himself is not a central figure in biblical narratives, his mention is crucial for establishing the prophetic authority of Jonah. The lineage of a prophet often served to validate their message and mission, as seen in other prophetic books. Amittai's name, meaning "truth," may symbolically underscore the divine truth that Jonah was commissioned to proclaim, particularly in his mission to Nineveh. Legacy: Amittai's legacy is intrinsically linked to that of his son, Jonah, whose account is one of the most well-known in the Bible. Jonah's reluctant journey to Nineveh and the subsequent repentance of the city highlight themes of divine mercy, repentance, and the universality of God's concern for all nations. Through Jonah, the son of Amittai, the narrative conveys profound theological truths about God's sovereignty and compassion. In summary, while Amittai himself is a relatively obscure figure, his role as the father of Jonah places him within the broader tapestry of Israel's prophetic tradition. His mention in the biblical text serves to authenticate and contextualize the mission of one of the most enigmatic prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 14:25He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath to the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spoke by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher. Nave's Topical Index Jonah 1:1 Strong's Hebrew 573. Amittay -- "true," the father of Jonah... Word Origin from emeth Definition "true," the father of Jonah NASB Word Usage Amittai (2). Amittai. From 'emeth; veracious; Amittai, an Israelite -- Amittai. ... /hebrew/573.htm - 6k Library The Prophet Jonah. The Twelve Minor Prophets. The Hebrew Prophecies. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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