or מַעַזְיָהוּ; probably from עוּז (in the sense of protection) and יָהּ; rescue of Jah; Maazjah, the name of two Israelites; Maaziah.
Transliteration:Maʻazyâh
Pronunciation:mah-az-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H4590}}` (Maʻazyâh or Maʻazyâhû) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is derived from two primary components: the verbal root עוּז (ʻûz), meaning "to be strong," "to take refuge," or "to protect" (related to `{{H5797}}` עוּז), and יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (Jehovah). Therefore, `{{H4590}}` carries the core meaning of "Refuge of Yah," "Strength of Yah," or "Yahweh is (my) Strength/Protection." The definition "rescue of Jah" emphasizes the active deliverance provided by God. As a personal name, its semantic range is fixed by its etymology, serving as a declarative statement about God's character and activity on behalf of the individual or family bearing the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H4590}}` appears in the biblical text referring to two individuals, both associated with the priestly lineage and service.
1. **A Priestly Division Head:** In [[1 Chronicles 24:18]], Maʻazyâh is identified as the head of the twenty-fourth and final division of priests established by King David for temple service. This meticulous organization ensured continuous and orderly worship. His inclusion among the heads of priestly courses underscores the importance of his lineage and his role in the structured worship life of Israel. The fact that the last division bore a name meaning "Yahweh is my strength/refuge" could be seen as a final affirmation of divine sustenance for the entire system of worship.
2. **A Covenant Sealer:** In [[Nehemiah 10:8]] (or [[Nehemiah 10:9]] in some translations), a priest named Maʻazyâh is listed among those who sealed the solemn covenant in the days of Nehemiah. This covenant renewal marked a pivotal moment in the post-exilic community, recommitting themselves to the Law of Moses. While it is possible this is the same individual as the one in Chronicles (if the Chronicler's list is prophetic or symbolic), it is more likely a descendant bearing the same name, reflecting the continuity of the priestly line and the enduring significance of the name's meaning through generations. The name also appears in [[Nehemiah 12:42]] in the context of the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, where Maʻazyâh is mentioned among the priests involved in the celebration, further linking the name to sacred service and communal worship.
In both contexts, the name `{{H4590}}` is associated with individuals holding significant roles within the religious and communal life of Israel, particularly within the priesthood. This association aligns perfectly with the name's inherent meaning, suggesting that those who serve God do so relying on His strength and finding refuge in Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to `{{H4590}}` is עוּז (ʻûz), which conveys the idea of strength, refuge, and protection. This root is found in various forms throughout the Old Testament to describe God as the ultimate source of security for His people. For example, Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." The concept of God as a "refuge" (מַחְסֶה, `{{H4268}}`) or "stronghold" (מָעוֹז, `{{H4581}}`, directly related to עוּז) is a recurring theological theme, particularly in the Psalms.
The divine element יָהּ (Yah) connects `{{H4590}}` to a vast array of other theophoric names that affirm aspects of Yahweh's character or actions. Examples include:
* אֲבִיָּה (Abiyyah, `{{H29}}`): "My Father is Yah"
* עֲזַרְיָה (Azaryah, `{{H5838}}`): "Yah has helped"
* יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yeshaʻyahu, `{{H3470}}`): "Yahweh is salvation"
These names collectively testify to the pervasive understanding of Yahweh as the active, protective, and saving God in the lives of the Israelites.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H4590}}` (Maʻazyâh) carries profound theological weight. It serves as a personal confession of faith, declaring that Yahweh Himself is the source of strength, protection, and refuge. In a world often characterized by instability and threats, the act of naming a child "Refuge of Yah" or "Strength of Yah" was a profound expression of parental trust in God's sovereign care and power.
For individuals like the priests bearing this name, it would have been a constant reminder of their dependence on God for their ministry and their very existence. Their service in the temple, their participation in covenant renewal, and their role in communal worship were not acts of human self-sufficiency but rather expressions of faith rooted in the divine strength and protection that their name proclaimed. It underscores the biblical principle that all true strength and security for God's people come from Him. The name thus embodies the theological truth that God is an active, present, and reliable deliverer for those who trust in Him. It points to God's steadfast love and faithfulness in providing safety and power to His chosen ones, especially those dedicated to His service.
### Summary
`{{H4590}}` (Maʻazyâh) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Refuge of Yah" or "Strength of Yah." This theophoric name combines the root עוּז (strength, refuge) with יָהּ (a shortened form of Yahweh), reflecting a deep theological conviction. The name appears in the biblical record referring to two individuals, both associated with the priestly order: a head of a priestly division in David's time ([[1 Chronicles 24:18]]) and a priest who sealed the covenant in the post-exilic period ([[Nehemiah 10:8]], [[Nehemiah 12:42]]). Its usage in these contexts underscores the reliance of God's servants on His divine strength and protection. The name `{{H4590}}` serves as a powerful testament to God's character as the ultimate source of refuge and strength for His people, embodying a confession of faith in His enduring presence and power.
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