Azriel עַזְרִיאֵל
Official sent to arrest the prophet Jeremiah
Who is Azriel in the Bible?
Azriel was one of the officials sent by King Jehoiakim to arrest the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch (Jer. 36:26). After Baruch read Jeremiah's prophecy warning of judgment on Judah in the temple, the king burned the scroll in anger and commanded Azriel, along with officials Jerahmeel and Shelemiah, to capture both men. Though tasked with this arrest, Azriel and his fellow officers were unable to find Jeremiah and Baruch because the Lord had hidden them. This episode illustrates the persecution Jeremiah faced from the political authorities for faithfully delivering God's message, while simultaneously demonstrating God's protective care over his prophetic servant.
Biography
Azriel is mentioned in Jer.36.26 as one of the officials sent by King Jehoiakim to arrest the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe, Baruch. The chapter describes how Jeremiah had dictated a prophecy to Baruch, warning of the impending judgment on Judah, and Baruch had read the scroll in the temple. When King Jehoiakim heard the words of the prophecy, he burned the scroll and ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch. Azriel, along with two other officials, Jerahmeel and Shelemiah, was tasked with carrying out this order. However, the text notes that the Lord had hidden Jeremiah and Baruch, and they were not found. The incident highlights the opposition and persecution faced by Jeremiah in delivering God's message to a rebellious nation and the protection provided by God for his faithful servants.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJeremiah 1 verse
- Jeremiah 36:26
"Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, as well as Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel, to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עַזְרִיאֵל |