Amariah אֲמַרְיָ֫הוּ

Male Tribe of Levi H0568H 2 books

High priest, ancestor of Ezra the scribe

Who is Amariah in the Bible?

Amariah was a high priest of Judah who served during the reign of King Jehoshaphat and is listed in the genealogy of the Levitical priesthood as a descendant of Aaron through his son Eleazar (1 Chronicles 6:11). As high priest, he held primary responsibility for overseeing temple worship, offering sacrifices, and leading the other priests in their sacred duties. Amariah played a key role in supporting Jehoshaphat's religious reforms and efforts to strengthen Judah's faith and judicial systems. He is also remembered as an ancestor of Ezra the scribe (Ezra 7:3), who centuries later would lead Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem and help restore the community's religious practices. Amariah's significance lies in his position as a bridge between Judah's monarchy period and the later restoration of the post-exilic Jewish community.

Biography

Amariah is mentioned in the genealogies of the Levitical priesthood as a descendant of Aaron through his son Eleazar. He served as the high priest during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. (1Ch.6.11)

As a high priest, Amariah would have been responsible for overseeing the temple worship, offering sacrifices, and leading the other priests in their duties. He played a significant role in the religious life of Judah during Jehoshaphat's reign.

Jehoshaphat was known for his devotion to God and his efforts to reform and strengthen the religious and judicial systems in Judah. (2Ch.17.1-9; 19.4-11) As the high priest, Amariah would have supported and collaborated with the king in these endeavors.

In the genealogy of Ezra the scribe, who led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem during the Persian period, Amariah is listed as one of his ancestors. (Ezr.7.3) This connection highlights the continuity of the priestly lineage and the importance of the high priestly office in the religious leadership of Israel.

Apart from these brief mentions, no further details are provided about Amariah's life, his specific actions as high priest, or any other significant events associated with him.

The inclusion of Amariah in the genealogies emphasizes the significance of the high priestly office, the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood, and the role of the priests in maintaining the religious life of Israel throughout its history.

Family

In Scripture

2 biblical books ; 1 with study content
1 Chronicles 1 verse
  • 1 Chronicles 6:11

    "Azariah was the father of Amariah, Amariah was the father of Ahitub,"

Ezra 1 verse
  • Ezra 7:3

    "the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,"

    Study Ezra →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew אֲמַרְיָ֫הוּ