Chief priest under King Jehoshaphat of Judah
Amariah
Named in 1 verse of 2 Chronicles, first in 2 Chronicles 19:11.
אֲמַרְיָ֫הוּAmariah
The name means “the Lord says; the integrity of the Lord.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Amariah Written by AI
Amariah is mentioned in the context of King Jehoshaphat's judicial reforms in Judah. Jehoshaphat, known for his devotion to God, sought to establish a system of justice based on the laws of God. (2 Chronicles 19:4 to 11) As part of these reforms, Jehoshaphat appointed judges in all the fortified cities of Judah and set up a supreme court in Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 19:5 to 8) He also appointed Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families to administer justice and settle disputes. (2 Chronicles 19:8) Amariah, the chief priest, was given authority over all matters concerning the Lord, while Zebadiah, a leader from the tribe of Judah, was responsible for matters concerning the king. (2 Chronicles 19:11) This division of authority suggests a separation between religious and civil matters in the administration of justice. As the chief priest, Amariah would have been responsible for ensuring that the judges and the people followed God's laws and that the religious aspects of the judicial system were properly maintained. He would have worked closely with the king and the other leaders to implement the reforms and maintain justice in Judah. The mention of Amariah in this context highlights the importance of the priesthood in the administration of justice and the collaboration between religious and civil authorities in ancient Israel. It also demonstrates Jehoshaphat's commitment to establishing a just and God-fearing society.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Amariah, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Said by Jehovah. (1.) One of the descendants of Aaron by Eleazar (1 Chr. 6:7,52). He was probably the last of the high priests of Eleazar’s line prior to the transfer of that office to Eli, of the line of Ithamar.
(2.) A Levite, son of Hebron, of the lineage of Moses (1 Chr. 23:19; 24:23).
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(3.) A “chief priest” who took an active part in the reformation under Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. 19:11); probably the same as mentioned in 1 Chr. 6:9.
(4.) 1 Chr. 6:11; Ezra 7:3. (5.) One of the high priests in the time of Hezekiah (2 Chr. 31:15). (6.) Zeph. 1:1. (7.) Neh. 11:4. (8.) Neh. 10:3. (9.) Ezra 10:42.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- 2 Chronicles 19:11
Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. And the Levites will serve as officers before you. Act resolutely; may the LORD be with the upright!”
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.