### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Rᵉchabyâh**, represented by `{{H7345}}`, means **"Jah has enlarged."** This name, also rendered as Rehabiah, appears **5 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. It belongs to a single Israelite individual, marking him as a key figure in his lineage. The name itself points to a theme of divine blessing and multiplication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Rehabiah is identified as a descendant of Moses through his son Eliezer `{{H461}}` [[1 Chronicles 23:17]]. He is designated as "the **chief**" `{{H7218}}`, emphasizing his prominence. The text explicitly states that while Eliezer had no **other** `{{H312}}` sons, "the sons of Rehabiah were **very** `{{H4605}}` **many** `{{H7235}}`" [[1 Chronicles 23:17]]. This highlights a direct fulfillment of his name's meaning. His lineage is further detailed through his own **son** `{{H1121}}`, Isshiah `{{H3449}}`, who is named as "the **first**" `{{H7218}}` [[1 Chronicles 24:21]], and continues through several more generations, including Jeshaiah, Joram, Zichri, and Shelomith [[1 Chronicles 26:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to Rehabiah's identity and significance:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son (as a builder of the family name)): This word is essential to Rehabiah's story, appearing in every verse that mentions him. It establishes his role in continuing the line of his father, Eliezer `{{H461}}` [[1 Chronicles 23:17]].
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (the head, chief, principal): Rehabiah is called "the **chief**" son of Eliezer, signifying his position of rank and leadership within the family line [[1 Chronicles 23:17]].
* `{{H7235}}` **râbâh** (to increase, enlarge, multiply): This word is used to describe Rehabiah's descendants as being "very **many**," directly linking the narrative to the meaning of his name, "Jah has enlarged" [[1 Chronicles 23:17]].
* `{{H461}}` **ʼĔlîyʻezer** (God of help): As Rehabiah's father and the son of Moses, Eliezer's name establishes a heritage of divine reliance and assistance ([[1 Chronicles 23:15]], [[1 Chronicles 23:17]]).
### Theological Significance
The brief account of Rehabiah carries significant thematic weight, particularly regarding God's faithfulness to his people.
* **Fulfillment of Name:** Rehabiah's life is a direct illustration of nominative determinism in scripture, where a person's name reflects their destiny. His name, "Jah has enlarged," is immediately followed by the fact that his sons were "very many" [[1 Chronicles 23:17]].
* **Continuation of Lineage:** As the sole heir of Eliezer, Rehabiah's numerous offspring ensured the continuation of this important Levitical line descended from Moses. The "enlargement" was not just of his immediate family but of a priestly heritage.
* **Divine Blessing:** The multiplication of Rehabiah's house serves as a tangible example of divine blessing. While his father had only one son, God enlarged Rehabiah's family, showcasing His power to bring abundance from a singular source.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7345}}` **Rᵉchabyâh** is more than just a name in a genealogy. It is a testament to the biblical theme of divine enlargement. As the **chief** `{{H7218}}` son of Eliezer, his story provides a concise and powerful example of how God's blessing was demonstrated through the multiplication of a family, ensuring that a significant lineage would not only continue but flourish.
TRV