Seraiah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, associated with various individuals who played significant roles in the history of Israel. The name Seraiah means "Yahweh is ruler" or "Prince of the Lord," reflecting the theocentric culture of ancient Israel.

1. Seraiah, the Father of Joab: In 1 Chronicles 4:13-14, Seraiah is mentioned as the father of Joab, who is the founder of the "Valley of Craftsmen." This Seraiah is part of the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, highlighting the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society.

2. Seraiah, the High Priest: One of the most notable individuals named Seraiah was the high priest during the reign of King Zedekiah. In 2 Kings 25:18 and Jeremiah 52:24, Seraiah is identified as the chief priest who was captured and executed by the Babylonians following the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. His death marked a significant moment in the history of Israel, as it symbolized the end of the temple priesthood during the Babylonian exile.

3. Seraiah, the Son of Azriel: In Jeremiah 36:26, Seraiah, the son of Azriel, is mentioned as one of the officials sent by King Jehoiakim to arrest the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch. This Seraiah is depicted as a loyal servant of the king, involved in the political and religious tensions of the time.

4. Seraiah, the Son of Neriah: Another Seraiah, the son of Neriah, is mentioned in Jeremiah 51:59-64. He was a quartermaster who accompanied King Zedekiah to Babylon. Jeremiah entrusted him with a scroll containing a prophecy against Babylon, which he was to read aloud and then throw into the Euphrates River as a symbolic act of judgment against the city.

5. Seraiah, the Ancestor of Ezra: In Ezra 7:1, Seraiah is listed as an ancestor of Ezra, the scribe and priest who played a crucial role in the restoration of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile. This genealogical connection underscores the continuity of the priestly line and the enduring significance of the temple and its services.

6. Seraiah, the Leader in the Return from Exile: In Nehemiah 12:1, Seraiah is named among the priests and Levites who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This Seraiah participated in the rebuilding of the temple and the reestablishment of worship, reflecting the themes of restoration and renewal central to the post-exilic period.

The various individuals named Seraiah illustrate the diverse roles played by priests, officials, and leaders in the religious and political life of ancient Israel. Their accounts are interwoven with the broader narrative of Israel's covenant relationship with God, the challenges of exile, and the hope of restoration.

The False Prophet
... Through it, walking swiftly, his head up, his mystic eyes ignited, came
Seraiah, soldier of Jehovah. ... Ahead of them, Seraiah moved. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xix the false prophet.htm

Seraiah's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Seraiah's (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 12:12 And in
the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses ...
/s/seraiah's.htm - 6k

Serai'ah (18 Occurrences)
... Seraiah, Serai'ah. Seraiah's . ... 2 Samuel 8:17 and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and
Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were priests; and Seraiah was scribe; (See RSV) ...
/s/serai'ah.htm - 11k

Seraphim (2 Occurrences)

/s/seraphim.htm - 10k

Seraiah (18 Occurrences)
... When Zedekiah made a journey to Babylon to do homage to Nebuchadnezzar, Seraiah
had charge of the royal gifts to be presented on that occasion. ...
/s/seraiah.htm - 17k

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