Topical Encyclopedia Neriah is a biblical figure recognized primarily as the father of Baruch, the scribe and faithful companion of the prophet Jeremiah. His name, Neriah, means "Lamp of the Lord" or "Light of the Lord," reflecting a heritage of spiritual significance.Biblical References Neriah is mentioned in several passages within the Book of Jeremiah, where his son Baruch plays a significant role. The most direct references to Neriah are found in the following verses: · Jeremiah 32:12 : "and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and of the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard." · Jeremiah 36:4 : "So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and while Jeremiah dictated all the words the LORD had spoken to him, Baruch wrote them on a scroll." · Jeremiah 43:3 : "But Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to hand us over to the Chaldeans, so that they may put us to death or exile us to Babylon!" · Jeremiah 45:1 : "This is the word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch son of Neriah when he wrote on a scroll the words Jeremiah had dictated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah." Historical and Theological Context Neriah lived during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by political instability and impending exile. His son Baruch served as a scribe to Jeremiah, one of the major prophets, during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. This was a time when the Kingdom of Judah faced the threat of Babylonian conquest, leading to the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Baruch's role as a scribe was crucial, as he was responsible for recording Jeremiah's prophecies and messages from God. This task was not without danger, as the messages often contained warnings of judgment and calls for repentance, which were unpopular among the leaders and people of Judah. Despite the risks, Baruch remained loyal to Jeremiah, indicating that Neriah likely raised his son with a strong sense of faith and duty to God's word. Family and Lineage Neriah is identified as the son of Mahseiah, though little else is known about his family background. The mention of his lineage in the biblical text underscores the importance of family heritage and the transmission of faith and values across generations. This lineage is significant in understanding the role Baruch played in supporting Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. Legacy While Neriah himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his legacy is carried on through his son Baruch. Baruch's dedication to Jeremiah and his role in preserving the prophetic messages contribute to our understanding of the period's historical and spiritual context. The faithfulness of Baruch, and by extension Neriah, serves as an example of steadfastness in the face of adversity and the importance of upholding God's truth. Neriah's mention in the scriptures, though brief, highlights the interconnectedness of family, faith, and the fulfillment of God's purposes through His chosen servants. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 32:12And I gave the evidence of the purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, in the sight of Hanameel my uncle's son, and in the presence of the witnesses that subscribed the book of the purchase, before all the Jews that sat in the court of the prison. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 5374. Neriyyah -- "lamp of Yah," father of Baruch... Neriah. Word Origin from ner and Yah Definition "lamp of Yah," father of Baruch NASB Word Usage Neraiah (1), Neriah (9). Neriah. Or ... /hebrew/5374.htm - 6k Library The Apocalypse of Baruch. The Man and the Book. The Doctrine of the Scriptures. Footnotes The Bible Book 9 Footnotes Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |