Azariah עֲזַרְיָ֫הוּ
Leader who opposed the enslaving of captives
Who is Azariah in the Bible?
Azariah was a leader of Ephraim who opposed the enslavement of captives from Judah during the reign of King Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:12). After Israel defeated Judah in battle and took many captives intending to enslave them, Azariah, along with leaders Berechiah, Jehizkiah, and Amasa, confronted the victorious army and reminded them of their own sins against God. They warned that enslaving the captives would bring God's fierce wrath upon them and urged the army to release the prisoners instead. The army heeded their counsel, released the captives, and provided them with clothing, food, and medical care before sending them home. Azariah's actions exemplify the biblical principle that standing against injustice and offering wise spiritual counsel can prevent further sin and preserve God's mercy.
Biography
Azariah is mentioned in 2Ch.28.12 as one of the leaders of Ephraim who opposed the bringing of captives from Judah into Samaria during the reign of King Ahaz. Israel had defeated Judah in battle and taken many captives, intending to enslave them. However, Azariah, along with Berechiah, Jehizkiah, and Amasa, confronted the army and reminded them of their own sins against God. They urged the army to release the captives, warning that God's fierce wrath would be upon them if they proceeded with their plan. The army listened to their words and released the captives, providing them with clothing, food, and medical care before sending them back to Judah. Azariah's actions demonstrate the importance of standing up against injustice and the power of wise counsel in preventing further sin and judgment.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 28:12
"Then some of the leaders of the Ephraimites—Azariah son of Jehohanan, Berechiah son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai—stood in opposition to those arriving from the war."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֲזַרְיָ֫הוּ |