### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Chîyʼêl**, represented by `{{H2419}}`, means **living of God; Chiel, an Israelite; Hiel**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. This single mention is highly significant, serving as a powerful illustration of a divine warning coming to pass.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of **Chîyʼêl** occurs in [[1 Kings 16:34]], where he is identified as Hiel the Bethelite. In his days, Hiel undertook the rebuilding of Jericho. This act of defiance came at a terrible price: "he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub" [[1 Kings 16:34]]. This event is explicitly noted as being "according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun" [[1 Kings 16:34]], directly linking Hiel's personal tragedy to the fulfillment of an ancient curse recorded in [[Joshua 6:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key Hebrew words from the account of Hiel `{{H2419}}` provide deeper context for his actions:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This root is central to Hiel's story, as he "did... **build** Jericho" [[1 Kings 16:34]]. While building can be a positive act, such as when a wise woman **buildeth** her house [[Proverbs 14:1]], scripture elsewhere reminds that unless the LORD **builds** the house, the builders labor in vain [[Psalms 127:1]].
* `{{H3245}}` **yâçad** (to lay the... found-ation): Hiel **laid the foundation** of the city at the cost of his firstborn son [[1 Kings 16:34]]. This word is often used for significant acts, such as when the LORD **layeth the foundation** of the earth [[Zechariah 12:1]] or lays a precious cornerstone in Zion [[Isaiah 28:16]].
* `{{H5324}}` **nâtsab** (to... set up): Hiel **set up** the gates of Jericho at the cost of his youngest son [[1 Kings 16:34]]. This term is used for establishing things with permanence, such as the LORD's word being **settled** in heaven [[Psalms 119:89]].
* `{{H1696}}` **dâbar** (to speak): The consequence for Hiel's actions was the fulfillment of what the LORD **spake** [[1 Kings 16:34]]. This highlights the certainty of God's word, as He is not a man that he should lie, and what He has **spoken**, He will make good [[Numbers 23:19]].
### Theological Significance
The account of **Chîyʼêl** carries significant theological weight, serving as a stark historical lesson.
* **The Inevitability of God's Word:** The primary lesson from Hiel's life is the absolute certainty of God's decrees. His suffering was a direct and literal fulfillment of the curse the LORD had **spoken** `{{H1696}}` through Joshua centuries earlier ([[1 Kings 16:34]], [[Joshua 6:26]]).
* **The Consequence of Defiance:** Hiel's decision to **build** `{{H1129}}` what God had condemned demonstrates the severe consequences of disobedience. The project resulted in the death of both his firstborn and youngest sons.
* **Sovereignty Over Human Works:** The story contrasts human ambition with divine authority. While men may **build** `{{H1129}}` and **lay foundations** `{{H3245}}`, their efforts are subject to the ultimate word of the LORD, who has **established** `{{H3245}}` them for correction [[Habakkuk 1:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **Chîyʼêl** `{{H2419}}` is a name tied to a single, somber event. Though his name means "living of God," his story is one of death brought about by defying God's declared word. His one appearance in scripture [[1 Kings 16:34]] is not about his life but about the fatal consequences of his work, serving as a permanent and powerful memorial to the fact that what God has **spoken** `{{H1696}}` will surely come to pass.
TRV