Berechiah בֶּרֶכְיָה
Israelite who helped repair Jerusalem's wall
Who is Berechiah in the Bible?
Berechiah, son of Meshezabel, was an Israelite who played an active role in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah's leadership following the Babylonian exile. He repaired two sections of the wall, one adjacent to the residence of Eliashib the high priest and another near his own house (Nehemiah 3:4, 3:30). His participation in this restoration project demonstrates the unified effort of the Jewish community to fortify their city despite significant external opposition. Notably, Berechiah's son Meshullam married the daughter of Tobiah the Ammonite, one of Nehemiah's chief adversaries (Nehemiah 6:18), reflecting the complex family and political entanglements within the post-exilic community. Berechiah's contribution to the wall's reconstruction symbolizes the broader Jewish commitment to restoring both their physical defenses and their national identity.
Biography
Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, was an Israelite who actively participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall during the time of Nehemiah. He repaired two sections of the wall, one near the residence of Eliashib the high priest (Neh. 3:4) and another near his own house (Neh. 3:30). Berechiah's dedication to the restoration of Jerusalem's defenses exemplifies the collective effort and unity of the Jewish community in the face of opposition. Additionally, Berechiah's son Meshullam was married to the daughter of Tobiah the Ammonite, one of Nehemiah's adversaries (Neh. 6:18), highlighting the complex social and political dynamics of the time.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 3 verses
- Nehemiah 3:4
"Next to them, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs; and next to him, Zadok son of Baana made repairs as well."
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 3:30
"Next to him, Hananiah son of Shelemiah, as well as Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. Next to them, Meshullam son of Berechiah made repairs opposite his own quarters."
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 6:18
"For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah."
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בֶּרֶכְיָה |