Maaseiah: The Name of a Number of Priests of the Exile
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Maaseiah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, particularly associated with the period of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return to Jerusalem. The name Maaseiah, meaning "work of the Lord" or "Yahweh's work," is borne by several individuals, many of whom were priests or Levites, playing significant roles in the religious and communal life of Israel during a time of restoration and renewal.

1. Maaseiah, the Priest during Josiah's Reign: One of the earliest mentions of a Maaseiah is found in the context of King Josiah's religious reforms. In 2 Chronicles 34:8, Maaseiah is listed as the governor of Jerusalem who assisted in the repair of the temple. This Maaseiah was instrumental in the revival of worship and the re-establishment of the covenant with God during a time of significant religious reform.

2. Maaseiah, the Father of Azariah: In 1 Chronicles 6:40, Maaseiah is noted as the father of Azariah, who served as a priest. This lineage highlights the continuity of priestly service and the importance of maintaining the priestly line during the tumultuous periods of Israel's history.

3. Maaseiah, the Priest in the Time of Ezra: During the return from exile, another Maaseiah is mentioned among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. In Nehemiah 12:41-42, Maaseiah is listed among those who participated in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, a significant event marking the restoration of the city and the re-establishment of its religious and social order.

4. Maaseiah, the Signatory of the Covenant: In Nehemiah 10:25, Maaseiah is one of the leaders who sealed the covenant, committing to follow the Law of God as given through Moses. This act of sealing the covenant was a public declaration of faith and obedience, crucial for the spiritual renewal of the community.

5. Maaseiah, the Levite Teacher: In 2 Chronicles 17:7-9, during the reign of Jehoshaphat, Maaseiah is mentioned as one of the Levites sent throughout the cities of Judah to teach the people the Law of the Lord. This role underscores the importance of religious education and the dissemination of God's Word among the people.

6. Maaseiah, the Father of a Renowned Family: In Nehemiah 11:5, Maaseiah is noted as the father of Baruch, who was part of a prominent family residing in Jerusalem. This mention highlights the significance of family heritage and the role of influential families in the rebuilding of the community.

The recurring presence of individuals named Maaseiah in the biblical narrative, particularly during the periods of reform and restoration, underscores the importance of faithful leadership and commitment to God's work. These individuals, through their various roles, contributed to the spiritual and communal life of Israel, ensuring the continuity of worship and adherence to the covenant during challenging times.
Nave's Topical Index
Ezra 10:18,21,22
And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 8:4,7
And Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 12:41,42
And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 21:1
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent to him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 29:25
Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because you have sent letters in your name to all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 37:3
And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now to the LORD our God for us.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... which Isaiah had urged upon it in the name of the ... gods, O Judah; and according to
the number of the ... the actions of the king himself; the priests and reformers ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Resources
Who was King Ahaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Maaseiah: Son of Ahaz--Killed by Zichri
Top of Page
Top of Page