### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Berekyâh**, represented by `{{H1296}}`, means **blessing of Jah**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is attributed to six different Israelites, connecting them through a shared identity rooted in the blessing of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Berechiah** appears primarily in genealogical lists and historical records, identifying individuals through their paternal line. He is recorded as the father of the prophet Zechariah ([[Zechariah 1:1]], [[Zechariah 1:7]]) and the father of a Levite named Asaph [[1 Chronicles 6:39]]. Another **Berechiah** was the father of Meshullam, who was instrumental in repairing the wall of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:4]]. The name also marks individuals with specific roles, such as one of the heads of the children of Ephraim [[2 Chronicles 28:12]] and a Levite who dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites [[1 Chronicles 9:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which **Berechiah** is mentioned:
* `{{H1121}}` **ben** (a son): This word is central to understanding the identity of each **Berechiah**, as most references are structured to establish lineage, such as "Zechariah, the **son** of Berechiah" [[Zechariah 1:1]].
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (a Levite): This term connects some of the individuals named **Berechiah** to the priestly tribe. The **Levites** appointed Heman and Asaph, the son of **Berechiah**, for service [[1 Chronicles 15:17]].
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet): This defines the significant role of **Berechiah's** descendant, Zechariah, who is identified as "the **prophet**" [[Zechariah 1:1]].
* `{{H727}}` **ʼârôwn** (ark): One **Berechiah** served as a doorkeeper for the **ark**, a sacred and vital role in Israel's worship [[1 Chronicles 15:23]].
### Theological Significance
The individuals named **Berechiah** held several key roles in Israel's history and worship:
* **Prophetic Lineage:** **Berechiah** is most notably the father of Zechariah the prophet, linking him to the chain of divine revelation given to Israel during the time of Darius [[Zechariah 1:7]].
* **Levitical Service:** The name is associated with the sacred duties of the Levites. One **Berechiah** was the father of Asaph, a chief musician [[1 Chronicles 6:39]], while another served directly as one of the doorkeepers for the ark alongside Elkanah [[1 Chronicles 15:23]].
* **National Restoration:** Through his son Meshullam, a **Berechiah** contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall, a crucial event in the nation's restoration after the exile ([[Nehemiah 3:4]], [[Nehemiah 3:30]]).
* **Tribal Leadership:** A **Berechiah** is listed as one of the "heads of the children of Ephraim," who stood up to prevent the enslavement of their brethren from Judah after a war [[2 Chronicles 28:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **Berekyâh** is a name that signifies "blessing of Jah" and is carried by several notable figures in Scripture. While not a central character himself, the name is attached to individuals who were part of important lineages, including that of the prophet Zechariah, and who actively participated in the religious and civil life of Israel. These men served as Levites, doorkeepers, tribal leaders, and fathers to key figures, collectively contributing to the fabric of Israel's history.
TRV