Original Word: רִצְיָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ritsya'
Pronunciation: reet-see-yah
Phonetic Spelling: (rits-yaw')
KJV: Rezia
NASB: Rizia
Word Origin: [from H7521 (רָצָה - accept)]

1. delight
2. Ritsjah, an Israelite

Rezia

From ratsah; delight; Ritsjah, an Israelite -- Rezia.

see HEBREW ratsah

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
an Asherite
NASB Translation
Rizia (1).

רִצְיָא proper name, masculine in Asher 1 Chronicles 7:39, Ρας(ε)ια.

Identity within the Asherite Line

Rizia (also rendered Riziah) appears once in Scripture, in the post-exilic genealogy of Asher recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:39. There he is listed as one of “the sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia”. This situates him three generations after Asher, the eighth son of Jacob, through the branch of Beriah and Heber. The mention confirms that the clan of Ulla survived the exile and returned to the land with sufficient cohesion to be recorded by name.

Historical Context

1 Chronicles was compiled after the Babylonian captivity to re-establish Israel’s corporate memory and covenant identity. Every individual name therefore serves a pastoral purpose: demonstrating God’s faithfulness in preserving each tribe, however small, and affirming the people’s right to the promises tied to their ancestral allotments (cf. Joshua 19:24–31 for Asher’s inheritance). Rizia’s inclusion testifies that even lesser-known households contributed to the rebuilding of Judah’s religious and social life.

Theological Reflections

1. Divine Delight in His People

Although the verse gives no narrative details, the very sound of the name aligns with the biblical theme of the Lord’s pleasure in His own. “The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His loving devotion” (Psalm 147:11). Rizia’s name thus quietly echoes the covenant assurance that God takes pleasure in preserving a remnant.

2. The Value of the Hidden Saint

Genealogies preserve figures who never appear again yet remain essential threads in redemptive history. Rizia represents the countless faithful whose quiet obedience links the generations. Hebrews 11:39-40 reminds believers that “all these were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us.” Rizia stands among those who prepared the way without seeing the ultimate fulfillment.

Ministry Implications

• Encouragement to Small Ministries

Congregations or workers who feel obscure can draw comfort from Rizia’s solitary mention: God records and remembers every act of faithfulness, however unnoticed by the world (Malachi 3:16).

• Importance of Spiritual Legacy

Parents and leaders are reminded that future generations depend on today’s quiet commitment. Just as Rizia’s line endured exile and return, so present obedience safeguards the witness of those yet unborn (Psalm 78:6-7).

• Assurance amid Exile and Restoration

Post-exilic readers heard their own account in these names. Modern believers who face cultural marginalization may likewise trust the Lord to preserve His church, confident that “the foundation of God stands firm, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His’” (2 Timothy 2:19).

Conclusion

Rizia’s lone appearance underscores the meticulous care with which the Spirit compiled Scripture, ensuring that every life woven into the covenant account is honored. His name invites reflection on divine delight, the worth of hidden service, and the certainty that God’s purposes advance through both celebrated leaders and forgotten saints alike.

וְרִצְיָֽא׃ ורציא׃ veritzYa wə·riṣ·yā wəriṣyāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts