Azaliah אֲצַלְיָ֫הוּ
Father of Shaphan the scribe during Josiah's reign
Who is Azaliah in the Bible?
Azaliah was the father of Shaphan the scribe, a prominent official who served during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (2Ki.22.3; 2Ch.34.8). Shaphan is introduced as "the son of Azaliah" when King Josiah sent him to oversee the repairs of the temple in Jerusalem. As the father of such an influential figure in the royal court, Azaliah was likely a respected man himself, though he appears only briefly in the biblical record. Azaliah's significance lies primarily in his son's pivotal role during Josiah's religious reforms, particularly Shaphan's involvement in the discovery of the Book of the Law, which sparked a spiritual revival in Judah.
Biography
Azaliah is mentioned in the Old Testament as the father of Shaphan the scribe. Shaphan played a significant role during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, who initiated religious reforms and the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. In 2Ki.22.3 and 2Ch.34.8, Shaphan is introduced as "the son of Azaliah" when he is sent by King Josiah to oversee the repairs of the temple. As the father of a prominent scribe and official in the royal court, Azaliah was likely a respected figure himself. His son Shaphan's involvement in the discovery of the Book of the Law during the temple repairs was a pivotal moment in Josiah's reforms and the spiritual revival of Judah.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Kings 1 verse
- 2 Kings 22:3
"Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the scribe, Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD, saying,"
2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 34:8
"Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, in order to cleanse the land and the temple, Josiah sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲצַלְיָ֫הוּ |