Lexical Summary Yediael: Yediael Original Word: יְדִיעֲאֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jediael From yada' and 'el; knowing God; Jediael, the name of three Israelites -- Jediael. see HEBREW yada' see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yada and el Definition "knowing God," three Isr. NASB Translation Jediael (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs יְדִיעֲאֵל proper name, masculine (Palmyrene ידיבעל DHM in MV10, 983 compare Sabean proper name with ידע DHMZMG 1875, 612) — 1 a Benjamite 1 Chronicles 7:6,10,11, ᵐ5 Αδειηλ, Ιεδιηλ, etc. 2 one of David's heroes according to 1 Chronicles 11:45 apparently = the Manassite captain of 1 Chronicles 12:21 (Baer; van d. H v.1 Chronicles 12:20), ᵐ5 Ελθειηλ, Ιεδιηλ. 3 a Korahite porter 1 Chronicles 26:2 ᵐ5 Ιδερηλ, Ιεδιηλ. Topical Lexicon Name and Spiritual Implications יְדִיעֲאֵל (Yediael) blends the verb “to know” with the divine title “El,” evoking the idea of “God knows” or “knowledge of God.” Across Scripture, divine knowledge is inseparable from covenant loyalty (Psalm 139:1–6; Nahum 1:7). The repeated appearance of men called Yediael hints that Israel valued this confession—that every act of courage or service rests on being known and approved by the Lord. Occurrences and Identifiable Individuals 1. A chief Benjaminite ancestor (1 Chronicles 7:6, 10–11). Although the third reference may be the same man as the second, the text does not insist on the identification; Scripture presents each appearance on its own terms. Genealogical Significance in the Tribe of Benjamin “The three sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael.” (1 Chronicles 7:6) Benjamin’s small tribe often appears outmanned, yet the chronicler stresses surprising strength: “All these sons of Jediael were heads of families—17,200 mighty warriors, ready for battle.” (1 Chronicles 7:11) Yediael thus stands as a patriarch whose line helped Benjamin supply seasoned fighters for Israel’s armies. His clan’s size, recorded after the exile, testifies that the Lord preserved Benjamin despite earlier judgments (Judges 20; Hosea 9:17). Military Valor under David 1 Chronicles 11 catalogs “the mighty men whom David had,” placing Yediael son of Shimri among elite warriors whose exploits stabilized the united monarchy. When listing Manassite commanders who joined David while Saul still lived, the chronicler includes another Yediael: “They helped David against the bands of raiders, for they were all valiant warriors, and they were commanders in the army.” (1 Chronicles 12:21) Both notices highlight traits prized in David’s kingdom—courage, loyalty, and willingness to align with the Lord’s anointed even before his public enthronement. The name’s theology matches the narrative: God knew those who were His (compare 2 Timothy 2:19) and drew them to support His chosen king. Levitical Service at the Gate “Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second…” (1 Chronicles 26:2) Gatekeepers guarded the entrances of the temple precincts, maintaining purity, order, and welcome (Psalm 84:10). That a Yediael serves here reminds readers that spiritual vigilance is as essential as battlefield valor. The Chronicler’s placement of this Yediael within Asaph’s musical clan (1 Chronicles 26:1) implies a ministry that combined watchfulness with worship. Theological and Ministry Themes • Covenant Knowledge and Divine Election Every bearer of the name models that God’s intimate knowledge precedes human action. Whether raising warriors, joining David, or guarding sacred space, each Yediael acts in the confidence that “the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought” (1 Chronicles 28:9). • Generational Faithfulness The Benjamite genealogy shows that one faithful ancestor can influence thousands. Families today likewise transmit spiritual strength when they walk in covenant loyalty. • Courage to Stand with God’s King The warriors’ willingness to side with the yet-uncrowned David challenges believers to identify with Christ the King before His public glory is revealed (Hebrews 13:13). • Worshipful Watchfulness Temple gatekeeping links vigilance with praise, foreshadowing the charge to New-Covenant believers: “Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith; act like men; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Summary Across Chronicles, Yediael signifies that being known by God fuels courage, service, and generational blessing. His descendants fought for Israel, his hands defended David, and his eyes watched the temple’s doors—all under the banner that “God knows.” Forms and Transliterations וִידִֽיעֲאֵ֖ל וִידִֽיעֲאֵל֙ וידיעאל יְדִֽיעֲאֵ֣ל יְדִֽיעֲאֵל֙ יְדִיעֲאֵ֖ל ידיעאל vidiaEl wî·ḏî·‘ă·’êl wîḏî‘ă’êl yə·ḏî·‘ă·’êl yəḏî‘ă’êl yediaElLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 7:6 HEB: בֶּ֧לַע וָבֶ֛כֶר וִידִֽיעֲאֵ֖ל שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃ NAS: Bela and Becher and Jediael. KJV: Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three. INT: Bela and Becher and Jediael three 1 Chronicles 7:10 1 Chronicles 7:11 1 Chronicles 11:45 1 Chronicles 12:21 1 Chronicles 26:2 6 Occurrences |