Jeriah
Jeriah was a Levite, the firstborn son of Hebron, and an ancestor of the Hebronites who served in the tabernacle during David's reign.
Biography
Jeriah was the firstborn son of Hebron, himself a descendant of Kohath son of Levi, placing Jeriah within one of the most prominent priestly lineages of ancient Israel (1 Chronicles 23:19; 26:31). During David's extensive reorganization of the Levitical orders in preparation for the future temple, Jeriah emerged as the chief of the Hebronites. According to 1 Chronicles 26:31, in the fortieth year of David's reign, a search was made among the Hebronites and Jeriah was found to be their head, a remarkable administrative appointment. He and his kinsmen were assigned to oversee the interests of the tribes on both sides of the Jordan River, representing the reach of Levitical governance across all Israel.
Significance
Jeriah's appointment as chief of the Hebronites illustrates the meticulous order David brought to Israel's religious administration. The fact that his family was specifically investigated and confirmed for leadership in David's fortieth year (1 Chronicles 26:31) underscores the importance of legitimate, verified lineage in sacred service. Theologically, Jeriah represents how God's redemptive purposes are worked out not only through dramatic figures but through faithful custodians of institutional order. His role in overseeing the trans-Jordan territories reflects the unity of all Israel under one covenant community, a foreshadowing of the universal scope of God's kingdom.
Verse Appearances (2)
1 Chronicles
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]