Topical Encyclopedia Hananiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the lineage of the kings of Judah. He is identified as the father of Zedekiah, who was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. The name Hananiah means "Yahweh is gracious," reflecting a common theophoric element in Hebrew names that acknowledges the divine.Biblical References: Hananiah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:19, which provides a genealogical record of the descendants of King David. This passage is crucial for understanding the lineage and familial connections within the royal house of Judah. The Berean Standard Bible renders this verse as follows: "and the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei. The sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah. Shelomith was their sister." While this verse does not directly mention Hananiah as the father of Zedekiah, it is part of the broader genealogical context that includes the descendants of David, among whom Zedekiah is counted. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the continuity of Davidic lineage, which is significant for the theological understanding of God's covenant with David and the messianic expectations rooted in this lineage. Historical Context: Hananiah lived during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. His son, Zedekiah, reigned as king from 597 to 586 BC, a time marked by political instability and the looming threat of Babylonian domination. Zedekiah's reign ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history that had profound theological implications. Theological Significance: The mention of Hananiah in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage in the biblical narrative. The Davidic line, to which Hananiah belongs, is central to the biblical promise of a future Messiah. This promise is rooted in God's covenant with David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God assures David that his throne will be established forever. Hananiah's inclusion in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, despite the apparent setbacks and failures of the Davidic kings, including Zedekiah. The eventual fulfillment of the messianic promise in the New Testament is seen as a continuation and culmination of this divine faithfulness. Conclusion: While Hananiah himself is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his role as the father of Zedekiah places him within the significant context of Judah's royal history. His mention in the genealogies highlights the enduring importance of the Davidic line and the theological themes of covenant and promise that run throughout the biblical text. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 36:12Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, see, all the princes sat there, even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes. Nave's Topical Index Library Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution. The Kingdom of Judah. The Figurative Language of Scripture. The Greater Prophets. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Why did Nebuchadnezzar change Daniel's name to Belteshazzar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is prophecy? What does it mean to prophesy? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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