Seraiah שְׂרָיָהוּ
Son of Azriel, sent to capture Jeremiah and Baruch
Who is Seraiah in the Bible?
Seraiah was the son of Azriel and a court official under King Jehoiakim of Judah, mentioned in Jeremiah 36:26. When the king became enraged after hearing Jeremiah's prophecies read aloud, he ordered Seraiah, along with Jerahmeel and Shelemiah, to arrest the prophet and his scribe Baruch. Despite this command, the Lord protected Jeremiah and Baruch by hiding them from their pursuers, and they were not found. Seraiah's role in this account illustrates the fierce opposition that Jeremiah faced for faithfully delivering God's messages, while simultaneously demonstrating God's faithful protection of His servants even in the face of royal persecution.
Biography
Seraiah, mentioned in Jer.36.26, was the son of Azriel and a member of King Jehoiakim's court. When Jeremiah's prophecies were read before the king, Jehoiakim became angry and ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and his scribe, Baruch. The king sent Seraiah, along with Jerahmeel, a member of the royal family, and Shelemiah, the son of Abdeel, to seize Jeremiah and Baruch. However, the Lord hid them, and they were not found. This incident highlights the opposition and persecution faced by Jeremiah for proclaiming God's messages, as well as God's protection over 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 | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שְׂרָיָהוּ | šĕrāyāh | Serajah , the name of nine Israelites |