or עֹדֵד; from עוּד; reiteration; Oded, the name of two Israelites; Oded.
Transliteration:ʻÔwdêd
Pronunciation:o-dade'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עוֹדֵד (ʻÔwdêd, `{{H5752}}`) is a proper noun derived from the root עוּד (ʻûd, `{{H5749}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "repetition," "reiteration," or "returning." As a personal name, ʻÔwdêd therefore signifies "reiteration" or "restoration." The underlying root's broader semantic range also includes concepts such as "to surround," "to admonish," and "to bear witness," suggesting a deeper nuance of persistent action, repeated instruction, or confirmed testimony. When applied to a person, the name might imply one who brings a message that needs to be repeated, or one who embodies a principle of renewal or persistent divine activity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻÔwdêd (`{{H5752}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in reference to two distinct individuals, both found in the book of Chronicles:
1. **Oded, father of Azariah:** In [[2 Chronicles 15:1]], Oded is identified as the father of Azariah, a prophet upon whom the Spirit of God came. Azariah subsequently delivered a powerful message to King Asa of Judah after his victory over the Cushites. Azariah's prophecy called Asa and the people of Judah to renewed faithfulness to God's covenant, promising divine blessing for obedience and warning of judgment for apostasy. While Oded himself is not depicted speaking, his son's prophetic role serves as a pivotal moment of spiritual renewal for the kingdom. The name "reiteration" here might subtly point to the repeated nature of God's covenant demands and His persistent call for His people to return to Him.
2. **Oded, a prophet in Samaria:** In [[2 Chronicles 28:9]], Oded is presented as a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Pekah. After Pekah's army inflicted a severe defeat on Judah and took a large number of captives to Samaria, Oded courageously confronted the returning Israelite army. He condemned their actions as an egregious sin against the Lord, reminding them that God had allowed Judah's defeat due to their own sins, not as a license for Israel to oppress their brethren. Oded urged them to release the captives, warning that their continued mistreatment would bring further divine wrath upon Israel. His powerful admonition led the Israelite leaders to release the Judean captives, providing them with clothing, food, and oil, and escorting them back to Jericho. Here, the name "reiteration" aptly describes Oded's role as one who *reiterated* God's law, justice, and compassion in a moment of national crisis, calling his people to a repeated act of mercy and adherence to divine principles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of ʻÔwdêd (`{{H5752}}`) is significantly enriched by its connection to its root and other related terms:
* **עוּד (ʻûd, `{{H5749}}`):** The primary root, meaning "to return, to repeat, to surround, to admonish, to bear witness." This root establishes the core semantic field of repetition and testimony.
* **עֵד (ʻēd, `{{H5707}}`):** "Witness," "testimony." This noun is directly related to the root ʻûd, emphasizing that a witness is one who *repeats* or confirms what they have seen or heard.
* **עֵדוּת (ʻēdût, `{{H5715}}`):** "Testimony," "ordinance." Often refers to divine laws or decrees that are to be *repeatedly* remembered, observed, or testified to.
* **עוֹד (ʻôd, `{{H5750}}`):** An adverb meaning "yet, still, again, more." This word explicitly denotes continuation or repetition.
The semantic field surrounding ʻÔwdêd underscores the concept of a message or action that is not singular but is reinforced, repeated, or brought forth again, often with a sense of authoritative declaration or persistent reminder.
### Theological Significance
The name ʻÔwdêd (`{{H5752}}`), rooted in the concept of "reiteration," carries significant theological implications, particularly concerning God's relationship with His people:
* **Divine Persistence and Covenant Faithfulness:** The appearance of prophets like Azariah (son of Oded) and Oded himself highlights God's persistent engagement with humanity. God *reiterates* His covenant promises and demands across generations, continually calling His people to repentance and faithfulness. This reflects God's unchanging character and His enduring commitment to His redemptive plan, even in the face of human rebellion.
* **The Nature of Prophetic Ministry:** The prophets, by their very function, often serve as instruments of "reiteration." They remind the people of God's established laws, His past acts of salvation and judgment, and His unchanging will. Oded's confrontation with the Israelite army in Samaria is a powerful example of a prophet *reiterating* God's ethical standards and calling for immediate obedience and compassion.
* **God's Justice and Mercy Repeatedly Revealed:** The narratives involving the two ʻÔwdêds demonstrate God's consistent application of justice and His profound mercy. Through Azariah, God *reiterates* the blessings of obedience and the consequences of apostasy for Judah. Through Oded, God *reiterates* His demand for compassion and justice for the oppressed, even among enemies. This shows that God's character and principles are not arbitrary but are consistently revealed and applied throughout history.
* **Opportunities for Restoration:** The name "reiteration" also implies a chance for *restoration*. God's repeated calls are not merely condemnations but invitations to return to Him, offering grace and renewal to those who repent.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻÔwdêd (`{{H5752}}`), transliterated as ʻÔwdêd, is a proper noun derived from the root עוּד (ʻûd, `{{H5749}}`), signifying "reiteration" or "restoration." It appears in the biblical text as the name of two distinct individuals in the book of Chronicles. The first, Oded, is the father of the prophet Azariah ([[2 Chronicles 15:1]]), whose message led to King Asa's renewed covenant with God, a "reiteration" of divine call to faithfulness. The second, Oded, is a prophet from Samaria ([[2 Chronicles 28:9]]), who courageously confronted the Israelite army, "reiterating" God's justice and mercy by demanding the release of Judean captives. The broader semantic field of the root, encompassing "witness" and "testimony," further enriches the name, suggesting one who embodies or brings forth a persistent, confirmed message. Theologically, ʻÔwdêd points to God's enduring faithfulness, His persistent call for repentance and restoration, and the consistent revelation of His unchanging character and divine will through His prophets throughout salvation history.
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