from חָזָה and יָהּ; Jah will behold; Jachzejah, an Israelite; Jahaziah.
Transliteration:Yachzᵉyâh
Pronunciation:yakh-zeh-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name Yachzᵉyâh (יַחְזְיָה, `{{H3167}}`), transliterated as Jahaziah, is a theophoric compound name derived from two Hebrew elements: the verb חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`) and the divine name יָהּ (yah, `{{H3050}}`). The root חָזָה primarily signifies "to see," "to behold," or "to perceive," often carrying a deeper connotation of spiritual discernment, prophetic vision, or a direct encounter with the divine. It implies an act of intentional observation, not merely passive sight. The suffix יָהּ is a shortened form of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, representing the God of Israel. Thus, the name Yachzᵉyâh literally means "Yah will behold" or "Yah sees." This conveys the profound theological truth of God's omniscience and His active, watchful presence in the affairs of humanity and His covenant people. It suggests divine observation, care, and perhaps even an implied understanding or approval from God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yachzᵉyâh (Jahaziah) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezra:
* [[Ezra 10:15]]: "Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah stood against this, and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supported them."
This verse describes a critical moment during Ezra's post-exilic reforms, specifically addressing the issue of Israelites who had taken foreign wives, a practice forbidden by the Mosaic Law. The phrase "stood against this" (וְאֵלֶּה עָמְדוּ עַל־זֹאת) has been interpreted in various ways by scholars. While some older translations might suggest opposition to Ezra's decree, the more widely accepted interpretation among modern scholars and translations (e.g., NET Bible, NIV footnote) is that these individuals were appointed to "stand over" or "take charge of" the matter, meaning they were entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the investigation and resolution of the foreign wives issue. Given the context of the subsequent verses, which detail the successful implementation of the decree, this interpretation is far more plausible. If Jahaziah was indeed one of those appointed to oversee this difficult and sensitive task, his name, "Yah will behold," would serve as a powerful reminder that God was observing their obedience and the integrity with which they carried out His will for the purity of the community. It underscores divine oversight and the expectation of faithfulness in leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to Yachzᵉyâh is חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`), "to see" or "to behold." This verb is frequently used in prophetic contexts, as in "seeing a vision" or "beholding God's glory" (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:1]], [[Ezekiel 1:1]]). It often implies a deeper, spiritual perception beyond mere physical sight. Other related words include:
* רָאָה (ra'ah, `{{H7200}}`): A more general verb for "to see," but also capable of carrying spiritual or theological weight.
* נָבִיא (navi, `{{H5030}}`): "Prophet," one who "sees" or "receives" divine revelation.
* Theophoric Names: Yachzᵉyâh belongs to a large category of biblical names that incorporate a divine element (like יָהּ or אֵל). Such names often convey a theological statement, reflecting the parents' faith, a hope for the child, or a declaration about God's character. Examples include Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), Jeremiah ("Yahweh will uplift"), and Elijah ("My God is Yahweh"). The prevalence of such names highlights the pervasive awareness of God's presence and activity in ancient Israelite life.
### Theological Significance
The name Jahaziah, "Yah will behold," carries significant theological weight. It serves as a constant affirmation of God's omnipresence and omniscience. The God of Israel is not a distant deity but one who actively sees, perceives, and is intimately involved in the lives of His people and the unfolding of history.
1. **Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty:** The name emphasizes that God sees all things—the actions, intentions, and hearts of individuals. This truth provides both comfort and accountability. God beholds the righteous and the unrighteous, the obedient and the disobedient.
2. **Divine Oversight and Care:** For those who serve Him, like Jahaziah in Ezra's reform, the name is a reminder that God is watching over their labors. It suggests divine approval for those who align with His will and a promise that their faithfulness does not go unnoticed. This aspect of God "beholding" can imply His protective gaze and His active engagement in upholding His covenant.
3. **Encouragement to Righteousness:** Knowing that "Yah will behold" can serve as a powerful impetus for ethical living and obedience. It underscores the biblical principle that nothing is hidden from God's sight (e.g., [[Psalm 139:7-12]], [[Proverbs 15:3]]).
4. **Foundation for Prophecy:** Given the root חָזָה's connection to prophetic vision, the name subtly points to God as the ultimate source of all revelation. He is the one who "beholds" and then reveals His truth to His chosen servants.
### Summary
Yachzᵉyâh (Jahaziah, `{{H3167}}`), meaning "Yah will behold" or "Yah sees," is a powerful Hebrew name derived from the verb חָזָה ("to see, perceive") and the divine name יָהּ. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Ezra 10:15]], where Jahaziah is identified as one of the individuals appointed to oversee the challenging task of addressing foreign marriages in post-exilic Judah. The name profoundly communicates God's omnipresence, omniscience, and His active, watchful involvement in human affairs. It serves as a theological reminder that God beholds all things, providing both comfort in His divine care and a call to accountability for His people, particularly those entrusted with leadership and the execution of His will.
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