or פְּלַטְיָהוּ; from פָּלַט and יָהּ; Jah has delivered; Pelatjah, the name of four Israelites; Pelatiah.
Transliteration:Pᵉlaṭyâh
Pronunciation:pel-at-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Pᵉlaṭyâh (`{{H6410}}`) or Pᵉlaṭyâhu is a theophoric name, meaning "Jah has delivered" or "Yahweh has delivered." It is a compound of two elements: the verb root פָּלַט (pālaṭ, `{{H6403}}`), meaning "to escape," "to deliver," or "to rescue," and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh. Thus, the name itself functions as a declarative statement of faith, affirming the character and action of God as a deliverer. As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently tied to this etymological meaning and the specific individuals who bear it, serving as a constant reminder of divine intervention and salvation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Pelatiah appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, referring to distinct individuals:
1. **A Descendant of David:** [[1 Chronicles 3:21]] lists Pelatiah as a son of Hananiah, a descendant in the royal line of David. This occurrence places the name within the lineage of the promised Messiah, subtly linking the concept of divine deliverance to the royal house.
2. **A Simeonite Captain:** [[1 Chronicles 4:42]] mentions Pelatiah, son of Ishi, as one of the Simeonite captains who, in the days of King Hezekiah, led an expedition against the Amalekites and took possession of their land. Here, the name resonates with the practical deliverance experienced by God's people in military victory and territorial acquisition.
3. **A Covenant Sealer:** [[Nehemiah 10:22]] (verse 23 in some translations) lists Pelatiah as one of the chiefs of the people who sealed the solemn covenant to walk in God's law after the return from exile. In this context, the name underscores God's deliverance of His people from captivity and their subsequent commitment to His covenant.
4. **A Prince in Ezekiel's Vision:** The most significant and poignant occurrence is found in the book of Ezekiel. Pelatiah, son of Benaiah, is identified as a prince of the people whom Ezekiel sees in a vision in Jerusalem [[Ezekiel 11:1]]. This Pelatiah is among those who devise mischief and give wicked counsel in the city. Tragically, as Ezekiel prophesies against them, Pelatiah suddenly dies [[Ezekiel 11:13]]. This event serves as a powerful, symbolic act of divine judgment against the unrepentant leaders of Israel, despite his name meaning "Yahweh has delivered." The stark contrast between his name and his fate highlights the severity of God's judgment on those who reject His ways, even if they bear names testifying to His saving power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to Pᵉlaṭyâh is פָּלַט (pālaṭ, `{{H6403}}`), the verb "to escape," "to deliver," or "to rescue." This root is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to describe God's active deliverance of His people from various dangers, including enemies, death, and oppression (e.g., [[Psalm 18:48]], [[Psalm 33:19]], [[Job 21:10]]). The inclusion of יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), the divine name, firmly attributes this deliverance to Yahweh Himself.
Other Hebrew names that incorporate a similar theme of divine salvation or deliverance include:
* Yesha'yahu (Isaiah), meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "Yahweh saves."
* Yehoshua (Joshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation."
* Eliyahu (Elijah), meaning "My God is Yahweh."
These names collectively underscore a central biblical concept: God is the ultimate source of salvation, rescue, and deliverance for His people, both physically and spiritually. The concept of God as Deliverer is deeply woven into the fabric of Israel's national identity and theological understanding.
### Theological Significance
The name Pelatiah carries profound theological weight, especially when considering the tragic irony in Ezekiel's account. On one hand, the name itself is a beautiful confession of faith, testifying to God's character as the one who rescues and provides refuge. It reflects the consistent biblical narrative of Yahweh's faithfulness in delivering His covenant people from bondage, enemies, and despair. It is a name that would have been a source of hope and a reminder of divine grace.
However, the death of Pelatiah in [[Ezekiel 11:13]] creates a theological paradox. A man whose name proclaims "Yahweh has delivered" is himself struck down by Yahweh's judgment. This stark contrast serves as a powerful theological statement:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** It demonstrates that God's deliverance is not unconditional or automatic. While He is a deliverer, He is also a righteous judge who will not indefinitely tolerate sin and rebellion, even from those who bear names of faith.
2. **The Nature of True Deliverance:** Pelatiah's death highlights that ultimate deliverance is not merely physical preservation in the face of immediate danger, but spiritual salvation and alignment with God's will. Those who persist in wickedness, even under the guise of religious identity, will face divine consequences.
3. **Warning Against False Security:** The incident serves as a prophetic warning against relying on external religious markers (like a pious name or lineage) while inwardly rebelling against God. It underscores the necessity of genuine repentance and obedience for true, enduring deliverance.
### Summary
Pᵉlaṭyâh (`{{H6410}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Yahweh has delivered," a powerful theological statement affirming God's character as a rescuer. While borne by various individuals who experienced or embodied aspects of divine deliverance (a royal descendant, a victorious captain, a covenant signer), its most striking appearance is in Ezekiel, where a prince named Pelatiah dies under divine judgment. This poignant event transforms the name from a simple affirmation of deliverance into a profound theological lesson. It underscores that while God is indeed the Deliverer, His deliverance is intrinsically linked to righteousness and obedience. It serves as a somber reminder that God's judgment falls even upon those bearing names of faith if they persist in rebellion, highlighting the critical importance of genuine repentance and the ultimate sovereignty of God over both salvation and judgment.
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