from חַי and אֵל; living of God; Chiel, an Israelite; Hiel.
Transliteration:Chîyʼêl
Pronunciation:khee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חִיאֵל (Chîyʼêl), designated by Strong's `{{H2419}}`, is a proper noun, a personal name. Its meaning is derived directly from its two constituent elements: חַי (chay - `{{H2416}}`), meaning "living" or "life," and אֵל (ʼēl - `{{H410}}`), meaning "God." Thus, the name חִיאֵל signifies "living of God" or "God lives." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily tied to the individual who bore it, though the inherent theological meaning of the name itself carries significant weight. It speaks to a foundational understanding of life as originating from and sustained by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חִיאֵל (Hiel) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a passage of profound theological import:
* [[1 Kings 16:34]]: "In his days Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun."
This solitary occurrence is rich in contextual significance. Hiel's act of rebuilding Jericho directly defies the ancient curse pronounced by Joshua centuries earlier in [[Joshua 6:26]]: "Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest shall he set up its gates." The narrative in [[1 Kings 16:34]] explicitly states that Hiel suffered the precise consequences foretold by Joshua, losing both his eldest and youngest sons during the rebuilding process. This event unfolds during the wicked reign of King Ahab, a period marked by deep apostasy and the propagation of Baal worship in Israel. The fulfillment of the curse through Hiel serves as a stark reminder of God's enduring word and the grave consequences of defying His decrees, even centuries after they are uttered.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name חִיאֵל (Chîyʼêl) is intrinsically linked to several key biblical words and concepts:
* חַי (chay - `{{H2416}}`): The root for "life" or "living," emphasizing the source of true existence.
* אֵל (ʼēl - `{{H410}}`): A fundamental name for God, denoting His power and divine nature.
* יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshua - `{{H3091}}`): Joshua, the one who pronounced the curse that Hiel defied, highlighting the continuity of divine judgment across generations.
* יְרִיחוֹ (Yericho - `{{H3405}}`): Jericho, the cursed city whose rebuilding brought about Hiel's tragic fate, symbolizing defiance and divine retribution.
* Concepts such as: divine curses and blessings, the enduring nature of prophecy, the sovereignty of God over human actions and history, obedience versus disobedience, and the ultimate consequences of rebellion against the divine word. The contrast between Hiel's name ("living of God") and his actions (leading to the death of his sons) also invites reflection on the irony of human choices.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חִיאֵל (Hiel) and his actions in [[1 Kings 16:34]] is profound and multi-layered.
Firstly, the very name "Hiel" — "living of God" — stands in stark, tragic irony to his fate. While his name suggests a life sustained and blessed by God, his actions brought about the death of his own children, fulfilling a divine curse. This highlights the critical distinction between a nominal connection to God and a life lived in accordance with His commands.
Secondly, Hiel's story serves as a powerful testament to the unfailing nature of God's word. The curse pronounced by Joshua in [[Joshua 6:26]] was fulfilled literally and precisely, centuries after it was spoken. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over time and events, underscoring that His words do not return to Him empty but accomplish His purposes ([[Isaiah 55:11]]).
Thirdly, the incident occurs during the reign of Ahab, a period of severe spiritual decline in Israel. Hiel's defiance of an ancient divine command, resulting in such a clear and public judgment, would have served as a potent warning to a nation increasingly steeped in idolatry. It underscores the consistent consequences of disobedience to God's revealed will, regardless of the era.
Finally, Hiel's experience illustrates the principle that human actions, even those seemingly mundane like rebuilding a city, can carry immense spiritual weight when they involve defiance of divine mandates. It is a sober reminder that God is not mocked, and His justice will ultimately prevail.
### Summary
The Hebrew name חִיאֵל (Chîyʼêl - `{{H2419}}`), meaning "living of God," appears uniquely in [[1 Kings 16:34]]. This single occurrence details the tragic fate of Hiel of Bethel, who rebuilt the cursed city of Jericho, thereby defying the divine pronouncement made by Joshua in [[Joshua 6:26]]. In fulfillment of that ancient curse, Hiel lost his firstborn and youngest sons during the construction. The profound irony of his name, juxtaposed with the death brought upon his household by his actions, serves as a powerful theological statement. Hiel's story stands as an enduring witness to the absolute faithfulness of God's word, the severe consequences of disobedience to divine decrees, and the unyielding nature of divine judgment, even centuries after a prophecy is uttered. It emphasizes that true life originates from God and is sustained through obedience to Him.
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