Adaiah עֲדָיָ֫הוּ
Father of Maaseiah, during the reign of Joash
Who is Adaiah in the Bible?
Adaiah was the father of Maaseiah, a military captain who played a key role in the overthrow of Queen Athaliah of Judah, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 23:1. Maaseiah, along with other captains and Levites, was gathered by the priest Jehoiada to support the installation of the young king Joash on the throne of Judah. Though Adaiah himself is mentioned only in connection with his son, his family was part of the significant historical moment when the rightful Davidic heir was restored to power and the usurping queen was removed. This narrative demonstrates how Adaiah's descendants were instrumental in preserving the royal line and preventing the complete destruction of David's dynasty during a period of political turmoil in Judah.
Biography
Adaiah is mentioned in 2Ch.23.1 as the father of Maaseiah, who was one of the captains involved in the coup against Athaliah, the queen who had usurped the throne of Judah. Adaiah's son Maaseiah, along with other captains and Levites, was gathered by Jehoiada the priest to support the installation of Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, as king.
The narrative in 2 Chronicles 23 describes how Jehoiada the priest organized a group of loyal captains, including Maaseiah, to protect Joash and overthrow Athaliah's reign. They strategically positioned themselves in the temple and proclaimed Joash as king, leading to the downfall of Athaliah and the restoration of the Davidic dynasty.
Apart from being the father of Maaseiah, no other information is provided about Adaiah himself. His mention in the narrative serves to identify Maaseiah and to highlight the role of various individuals and families in the significant event of Joash's ascension to the throne and the removal of Athaliah's illegitimate rule.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 23:1
"Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֲדָיָ֫הוּ |