### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Chilqîyâh**, represented by `{{H2518}}`, means "portion of Jah." It appears 34 times across 31 unique verses in the Bible. This name is used to identify several Israelites, most notably a high priest who served during a pivotal period of reform in the kingdom of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the most prominent figure named **Chilqîyâh** is the high priest during the reign of King Josiah. He is instrumental in the rediscovery of "a book of the law of the LORD" while overseeing the temple treasury [[2 Chronicles 34:14]]. After Hilkiah `{{H2518}}` finds `{{H4672}}` the book, he gives `{{H5414}}` it to Shaphan the scribe, who then reads it to the king ([[2 Kings 22:8]], 22:10). This discovery prompts a national reformation, with King Josiah commanding **Chilqîyâh** to purge the temple of idolatrous vessels [[2 Kings 23:4]]. The name also belongs to the father of the prophet Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 1:1]], the father of Eliakim who served King Hezekiah [[2 Kings 18:18]], and an ancestor of Ezra the scribe [[Ezra 7:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and actions associated with figures named **Chilqîyâh**:
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): This title is repeatedly applied to **Chilqîyâh**, identifying him as one officiating in the temple and often as the "high priest" [[2 Kings 22:4]]. The name is also associated with the general priesthood, as **Chilqîyâh** is listed as the father of Jeremiah, who was "of the priests" [[Jeremiah 1:1]].
* `{{H4672}}` **mâtsâʼ** (find): This word is central to the account of **Chilqîyâh** the high priest, who "found the book of the law" in the house of the LORD [[2 Kings 22:8]]. This act of finding initiated widespread religious reforms under King Josiah [[2 Kings 23:24]].
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (law): This refers to the book that **Chilqîyâh** discovered. His finding of the "book of the law" [[2 Chronicles 34:14]] restored God's precepts to the nation.
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give): This action is frequently attributed to **Chilqîyâh**. He "gave" the book of the law to Shaphan the scribe [[2 Kings 22:8]] and, along with other rulers, "gave" generously for the Passover offerings [[2 Chronicles 35:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2518}}` is tied to the actions of the individuals who bore the name, particularly Hilkiah the high priest.
* **Restoration of Scripture:** The discovery of the book of the law by **Chilqîyâh** marks a crucial moment where God's forgotten word is brought back to light. This event underscores the importance of God's written law `{{H8451}}` as the foundation for the life of the nation [[2 Kings 23:24]].
* **Purity and Repentance:** **Chilqîyâh**'s role in the purification of the temple, carrying out the king's command to remove items dedicated to Baal, highlights his function as an agent of reform and sanctification [[2 Kings 23:4]].
* **Faithful Stewardship:** As high priest `{{H3548}}`, **Chilqîyâh** was a steward over the temple's resources, tasked with summing the silver `{{H3701}}` for repairs [[2 Kings 22:4]]. His role demonstrates priestly responsibility not just in spiritual matters but also in the practical administration of God's house.
* **Spiritual Lineage:** The name **Chilqîyâh** links the priesthood and prophecy, as he was the father of Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 1:1]]. It also appears in the priestly lineage of Ezra, another key figure in the restoration of the law after the exile [[Ezra 7:1]].
### Summary
In summary, **Chilqîyâh** `{{H2518}}` is more than just a name; it is associated with faithfulness and divine restoration. Meaning "portion of Jah," the name is most famously borne by the high priest who found the book of the law during Josiah's reign, sparking a major revival. Other notable individuals with this name include the father of the prophet Jeremiah and an ancestor of Ezra. The narrative of **Chilqîyâh** illustrates a pivotal moment where the rediscovery of Scripture, stewarded by a faithful priest, leads a nation back to God.
TRV