Uriel אוּרִיאֵל
Kohathite Levite, ancestor of the prophet Samuel
Who is Uriel in the Bible?
Uriel was a Kohathite Levite mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 6:24 as an ancestor of the prophet Samuel. Also known by the name Zephaniah, he was the son of Tahath and father of Uzziah, placing him within the important lineage of the Levitical priesthood. His inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles demonstrates the significance of tracing family lines through Israel's religious leadership, highlighting the continuity of the priestly order and the lineage that produced Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges.
Biography
Uriel, also referred to as Zephaniah, is mentioned in the genealogies of the Levites in 1Ch.6.24 and 1Ch.6.36. He was a descendant of Kohath, one of the three main divisions of the Levites. Uriel is listed as the son of Tahath and the father of Uzziah (called Azariah in verse 36). He is identified as an ancestor of the prophet Samuel, who was also a descendant of Kohath. The dual names Uriel and Zephaniah may indicate that he was known by both names or that there was some variation in the historical records. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles trace the lineage of important figures in Israel's history, highlighting the continuity of the Levitical priesthood and the family lines of significant individuals like Samuel.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 6:24
"Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son."
- 1 Chronicles 6:36
"the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אוּרִיאֵל | — | — |
| Named | Hebrew | צְפַנְיָהוּ | ṣĕpanĕyāh | Tsephanjah , the name of four Israelites |