Amariah אֲמַרְיָ֫הוּ
Levite during the reign of King Hezekiah
Who is Amariah in the Bible?
Amariah was a Levite who served during the reign of King Hezekiah in Judah, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 31:15. He was appointed by Hezekiah to help distribute offerings and tithes to his fellow Levites during the king's religious reforms. These reforms were designed to restore proper worship and enable the priests and Levites to dedicate themselves fully to serving the Lord. Amariah's role demonstrates the importance of faithful stewardship in supporting those called to religious service, and his work reflects the obedience of both leadership and people in returning to God's law during a pivotal period in Judah's spiritual history.
Biography
Amariah is mentioned in the context of King Hezekiah's religious reforms in Judah. Hezekiah, a righteous king, sought to restore proper worship and support for the priests and Levites. (2Ch.31.1-21)
As part of these reforms, Hezekiah ordered the people to contribute portions to support the priests and Levites, enabling them to devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. (2Ch.31.4) The people responded generously, bringing an abundance of offerings and tithes. (2Ch.31.5-10).
To ensure the proper distribution of these offerings, Hezekiah appointed officers, including Amariah, to oversee the process. (2Ch.31.12-15) Amariah, along with several other Levites, was entrusted with the task of faithfully distributing the offerings to his fellow Levites according to their divisions and responsibilities. (2Ch.31.15-18)
This system of distribution ensured that all the priests and Levites, including those in the cities of Judah, received their rightful share of the offerings, enabling them to focus on their duties in the temple and in teaching the Law to the people.
The mention of Amariah in this context highlights the importance of the Levites in the administration of the temple and the support system for the religious leaders. It also demonstrates Hezekiah's commitment to restoring proper worship and ensuring the well-being of the priests and Levites.
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 31:15
"Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲמַרְיָ֫הוּ |