The Hebrew name Yirʼîyâyh, represented by H3376, means fearful of Jah. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, referring to a specific Israelite named Irijah. This individual's actions are documented in a single, significant encounter.
Both occurrences of H3376 are found in the book of Jeremiah. Irijah is identified as a captain H1167 of the ward H6488 stationed at the gate H8179 of Benjamin H1144. His lineage is noted as the son H1121 of Shelemiah H8018 and the grandson of Hananiah H2608. In this capacity, he took H8610 the prophet H5030 Jeremiah H3414, accusing him of defecting to the Chaldeans H3778 Jeremiah 37:13. Jeremiah denied the charge, stating, "It is false H8267; I fall not away H5307 to the Chaldeans H3778." However, Irijah did not hearken H8085 to the prophet, instead seizing him and bringing H935 him to the princes H8269 Jeremiah 37:14.
Several related words provide context for Irijah's interaction with Jeremiah:
- H1167 baʻal (a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner): This word describes Irijah's role as a "captain," a man with authority and command over the ward. This authority is central to his ability to arrest the prophet Jeremiah 37:13.
- H8610 tâphas (to manipulate, i.e. seize; chiefly to capture): This word describes the physical action Irijah took against Jeremiah. He didn't just question him; he captured him based on his accusation Jeremiah 37:13.
- H5307 nâphal (to fall, in a great variety of applications): This is the root of the accusation against Jeremiah, that he was deserting his people to join the enemy. Jeremiah's denial uses the same term, showing a direct refutation of Irijah's charge Jeremiah 37:14.
- H8267 sheqer (an untruth; by implication, a sham): Jeremiah's emphatic defense is that the accusation is a lie. This word stands in direct opposition to the charge leveled by Irijah Jeremiah 37:14.
The brief account of H3376 carries significant weight in its context.
- The Irony of a Name: Irijah's name means "fearful of Jah." However, his actions involve arresting God's chosen prophet H5030, Jeremiah H3414. This creates a stark contrast between the reverence implied by his name H8034 and his refusal to hearken H8085 to the prophet's words Jeremiah 37:14.
- Human vs. Divine Authority: The incident pits the authority of a captain H1167 of the ward H6488 against the authority of a prophet H5030 speaking for God. Irijah exercises his earthly power to detain Jeremiah, escalating the conflict by bringing him before the princes H8269.
- False Accusation against God's Messenger: The charge that Jeremiah was falling away H5307 to the Chaldeans H3778 was a serious act of treason. Jeremiah's declaration that the charge was false H8267 highlights a recurring theme of God's servants facing untrue and malicious accusations from their own people Jeremiah 37:14.
In summary, H3376 identifies a specific historical figure, Irijah, whose role is confined to a single, pivotal confrontation. Though he appears only twice, his actions are crucial to the narrative of Jeremiah's persecution. The account uses his character to explore themes of misplaced authority, false accusation, and the dramatic irony of a man named "fearful of Jah" acting against God's prophet.
TRV