Jeiel
About Jeiel
Jeiel son of Mattaniah belonged to the Levites of Asaph's line and is named in 2 Chronicles 20:14 as the great-grandfather of Jahaziel, on whom the Spirit of the LORD came in the days of King Jehoshaphat.
Life and Background
Jeiel is known only from the genealogy of Jahaziel, who is introduced as the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph's descendants (2 Chronicles 20:14). Jeiel therefore belonged to the Levite line of Asaph and was the son of Mattaniah. He lived some generations before Jehoshaphat's reign (870-848 BC).
Biblical Role and Ministry
No office or service of Jeiel himself is recorded. His name serves to establish the Asaphite descent of his great-grandson Jahaziel.
Key Events and Actions
The genealogy in which Jeiel appears introduces a crisis in Jehoshaphat's reign, when the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against the king (2 Chronicles 20:1). As Jahaziel stood in the midst of the assembly, the Spirit of the LORD came upon him (2 Chronicles 20:14), and he assured the people that the battle was not theirs but God's (2 Chronicles 20:15).
Archaeological and Historical Evidence
There is no established archaeological or historical evidence directly attesting to Jeiel outside the biblical text.
Legacy and Lessons
Jeiel is remembered through his descendant. The care with which 2 Chronicles traces Jahaziel back through Jeiel to Mattaniah and the house of Asaph shows the weight Chronicles gives to Levite lineage in the service of worship and prophecy.
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Historical Significance
Jeiel holds significant importance in understanding the historical and cultural context of the biblical world. As a figure mentioned in biblical texts, this person played a crucial role in the unfolding drama of salvation history. Their actions, decisions, and legacy provide valuable insights into the cultural, political, and religious dynamics of their time period.
Biblical References
Jeiel is mentioned in several biblical passages, providing multiple perspectives on its significance in Scripture. The primary biblical references include: 2 Chronicles 20:14.
These scriptural mentions help establish the historical and theological importance of Jeiel within the broader biblical narrative. Each reference provides unique insights into how this element fits into God's unfolding plan and the historical context of the ancient world.
Studying these passages in their original historical context enhances our understanding of both the immediate circumstances and the broader theological implications of the biblical text.
Scripture References:
Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological research has provided valuable insights into Jeiel and its place in the ancient world. While direct archaeological evidence for individuals can be rare, excavations have uncovered artifacts, inscriptions, and material culture from the periods and places associated with this figure. Such discoveries help reconstruct the historical context in which this person lived and the cultural conditions that shaped their world.
The field of biblical archaeology continues to evolve, with new discoveries regularly adding to our understanding of the ancient world. These findings not only support the historical reliability of biblical accounts but also enrich our appreciation for the complexity and richness of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.
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