### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name Môwʻadyâh (`{{H4153}}`) is a compound word, rich in theological implications. It is formed from two components: מוֹעָד (môwʻād), which is derived from the root מוֹעֵד (moʻed, `{{H4150}}`), and יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH. The term מוֹעֵד (moʻed) carries a semantic range encompassing "appointed time," "appointed place," "meeting," "assembly," or "congregation," particularly in a sacred context. It often refers to the set times for festivals or the "tent of meeting" where God communed with His people. The suffix יָהּ (Yah) explicitly links the name to the God of Israel. Therefore, Môwʻadyâh literally means "assembly of Yah" or "appointed gathering of Yah." This etymology suggests a person whose very identity is tied to the sacred convocation or presence of God among His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Môwʻadyâh (`{{H4153}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[Nehemiah 12:17]]: "of Miniamin, of Moadiah, of Bilgah," (ESV).
In this context, Môwʻadyâh is listed among the heads of the priestly and Levitical families who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. Specifically, Nehemiah 12 details the lineage and succession of those who served in the re-established temple in Jerusalem during the time of Jeshua, the high priest. As a priestly figure, Môwʻadyâh's name, "assembly of Yah," would have been exceptionally fitting, signifying his role in facilitating and leading the sacred assemblies of the covenant community. His inclusion in this genealogical record underscores his importance in the restoration of the temple worship and the re-establishment of the people's relationship with God after the exile.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical root underpinning Môwʻadyâh (`{{H4153}}`) is מוֹעֵד (moʻed, `{{H4150}}`). This word is central to understanding the theological depth of the name.
* **מוֹעֵד (moʻed, `{{H4150}}`)**: This term is used extensively in the Pentateuch, referring to:
* **Appointed Festivals**: The annual feasts of Israel (e.g., Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) are designated as "moʻadim" (e.g., [[Leviticus 23:2]], [[Lamentations 2:6]]), signifying times divinely appointed for sacred gatherings.
* **Tent of Meeting**: The Tabernacle, where God met with Moses and the Israelites, is consistently called the "tent of meeting" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, ohel moʻed; e.g., [[Exodus 27:21]], [[Numbers 1:1]]).
* **Congregation/Assembly**: It can also denote the gathering of the people themselves for religious purposes.
The second component, יָהּ (Yah), is a common theophoric element in Hebrew names, directly connecting the individual to YHWH, the personal name of God. This highlights the divine initiative and presence in the "assembly." The definition also notes a comparison to מַעֲדְיָה (Maʻadyâh, `{{H4609}}`), which is likely a variant spelling or a closely related name appearing in the same chapter of Nehemiah, further emphasizing the theme of God's appointed gatherings.
### Theological Significance
The name Môwʻadyâh (`{{H4153}}`), "assembly of Yah," carries profound theological weight, particularly for a priest in the post-exilic community.
1. **Divine Presence in Corporate Worship**: The name powerfully conveys the truth that God is uniquely present when His people gather according to His divine appointment. The "assembly of Yah" is not merely a human convention but a sacred convocation where God condescends to meet with His covenant people. For a priest, this name would signify his sacred duty to lead and facilitate these divine encounters.
2. **Covenant Renewal and Restoration**: In the context of the return from exile, the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of its services symbolized a profound act of covenant renewal. The name Môwʻadyâh would serve as a living testimony to God's faithfulness in restoring His people's ability to gather and worship Him in His appointed place and time.
3. **The Centrality of Holy Convocations**: The concept of "moʻed" underscores the critical importance of communal worship and the observance of God's appointed seasons. These gatherings were essential for maintaining Israel's spiritual identity, remembering God's mighty acts, and reaffirming their covenant relationship with Him.
4. **Identity Rooted in God's Purposes**: Like many Hebrew names, Môwʻadyâh affirms that an individual's identity and purpose are intrinsically linked to God's will and His redemptive plan. For this priest, his very name declared his connection to the sacred assemblies ordained by Yah.
### Summary
Môwʻadyâh (`{{H4153}}`) is a significant Hebrew proper name, meaning "assembly of Yah" or "appointed gathering of Yah." It is derived from מוֹעֵד (moʻed, `{{H4150}}`), signifying a divine appointment for meeting or assembly, and יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH. This name occurs once in [[Nehemiah 12:17]], identifying a priestly head of a family who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name's etymology highlights the theological centrality of corporate worship, divine presence in the communal gathering of God's people, and the faithful restoration of covenant life in post-exilic Israel. For a priest, the name Môwʻadyâh underscored his sacred role in leading and facilitating the holy convocations where God met with His people.
TRV