### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼÛwrîyâh**, represented by `{{H223}}`, means **flame of Jah**. It appears 39 times across 33 unique verses in the Bible and is the name of one Hittite and five Israelites.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H223}}` is most prominently associated with **Uriah** the Hittite, a loyal soldier in King David's army. His story is a pivotal moment in David's reign, as the king took `{{H3947}}` Uriah's wife `{{H802}}`, Bathsheba, and then orchestrated Uriah's death in battle [[2 Samuel 12:9]]. Uriah's integrity is highlighted when he refuses to go `{{H935}}` to his own house while the ark and the army are in the field, choosing instead to sleep `{{H7901}}` at the king's door [[2 Samuel 11:11]]. Other figures include **Urijah** the priest `{{H3548}}`, who was commanded `{{H6680}}` by King `{{H4428}}` Ahaz to build an altar modeled after one in Damascus [[2 Kings 16:10-11]], and **Urijah** the prophet, who was slain `{{H5221}}` with a sword `{{H2719}}` by King Jehoiakim after prophesying against Judah [[Jeremiah 26:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the narratives involving individuals named Urijah:
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to smite): This word is central to the fates of two Urijahs. David arranged for Uriah the Hittite to be **smitten** and die in battle [[2 Samuel 11:15]], and King Jehoiakim **slew** Urijah the prophet [[Jeremiah 26:23]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): This is the instrument of death for both Uriah the Hittite and Urijah the prophet. The divine consequence for David's sin was that the **sword** would never depart from his house [[2 Samuel 12:10]].
* `{{H959}}` **bâzâh** (despise): This term captures the essence of David's sin. Nathan the prophet accuses him, asking, "Wherefore hast thou **despised** the commandment of the LORD?" [[2 Samuel 12:9]].
* `{{H1272}}` **bârach** (to flee): This describes the desperate action of Urijah the prophet, who was afraid and **fled** to Egypt to escape King Jehoiakim's wrath [[Jeremiah 26:21]].
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H223}}` carries significant narrative and theological weight, marking key moments of moral and spiritual crisis in Israel's history.
* **Consequences of Sin:** The story of Uriah the Hittite serves as a stark warning about the abuse of power. David's act of having him slain `{{H2026}}` and taking his wife resulted in a divine judgment that the sword `{{H2719}}` would never depart `{{H5493}}` from his house [[2 Samuel 12:10]]. This event is noted as the singular major failing in David's otherwise righteous reign [[1 Kings 15:5]].
* **Loyalty and Betrayal:** Uriah the Hittite's refusal to enjoy personal comfort while his comrades were at war demonstrates profound loyalty [[2 Samuel 11:11]]. This stands in sharp contrast to King David, who despised `{{H959}}` God's law and betrayed his faithful servant.
* **The Peril of Prophecy:** The fate of Urijah the prophet illustrates the high cost of speaking truth to power. He prophesied `{{H5012}}` against the city, and for this, he was sought by the king `{{H4428}}` to be put to death `{{H4191}}`, ultimately being slain for his message [[Jeremiah 26:21-23]].
* **Compromise of a Priest:** The account of Urijah the priest shows the potential for religious authority to be compromised by political influence. He obeyed King Ahaz's command `{{H6680}}` to build an altar based on a foreign design, thus executing the king's will [[2 Kings 16:16]].
### Summary
In summary, the name **ʼÛwrîyâh** `{{H223}}` is attached to several figures whose lives are defined by intense moments of conflict, loyalty, and moral failure. From the faithful soldier betrayed by his king to the persecuted prophet and the compliant priest, the name **Urijah** appears at critical junctures that explore themes of divine judgment, human integrity, and the consequences of obedience and disobedience.
TRV