Gedaliah

About Gedaliah Written by AI

Gedaliah is mentioned in Zephaniah 1:1 as the grandfather of the prophet Zephaniah. Zephaniah's genealogy is traced back four generations to Hezekiah, who was likely the king of Judah known for his religious reforms (2Kings 18-20; 2Chronicles 29-32). This suggests that Zephaniah came from a prominent family with royal connections. Gedaliah, as Zephaniah's grandfather, would have lived during the reigns of the kings of Judah preceding Josiah, possibly during the time of Manasseh or Amon. No further information is provided about Gedaliah's life or his role in the history of Judah. However, his inclusion in Zephaniah's genealogy serves to establish the prophet's lineage and lend authority to his prophetic ministry. Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BC) and called for repentance and renewal in the face of impending judgment (Zephaniah 1:4 to 6). His message played a significant role in the religious reforms initiated by Josiah (2Kings 22-23).

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 Gedaliah, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.

Made great by Jehovah. (1.) the son of Jeduthum (1 Chr. 25:3, 9). (2.) The grandfather of the prophet Zephaniah, and the father of Cushi (Zeph. 1:1). (3.) One of the Jewish nobles who conspired against Jeremiah (Jer. 38:1). (4.) The son of Ahikam, and grandson of Shaphan, secretary of king Josiah (Jer. 26:24). After the destruction of Jerusalem (see ZEDEKIAH), Nebuchadnezzar left him to govern the country as tributary to him (2 Kings 25:22; Jer. 40:5; 52:16). Ishmael, however, at the head of a party of the royal family, “Jewish irreconcilables”, rose against him, and slew him and “all the Jews that were with him” (Jer. 41:2, 3) at Mizpah about three months after the destruction of Jerusalem. He and his band also plundered the town of Mizpah, and carried off many captives. He was, however, overtaken by Johanan and routed. He fled with such of his followers as escaped to the Ammonites (41:15). The little remnant of the Jews now fled to Egypt.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.