The name Azariah ($\text{‘Ǎzaryāh}$) is a profound and common Hebrew name meaning “The Lord Has Helped” or “Jehovah is Helper.” The frequent use of this name across different eras reflects a deep-seated national belief in God’s active involvement and assistance in the lives of His people.
Due to the numerous individuals who bear this name, their stories span the entire arc of Israel’s history, from the wilderness wanderings to the Babylonian exile.
1. Azariah the High Priest
One of the most important figures was the son of Zadok, who served as a High Priest during the reign of Solomon. This Azariah was a key figure in the establishment of Temple worship after the construction of the magnificent First Temple.
His lineage is traced in the book of First Kings:
And these were the chief of the officers which king Solomon had; Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: And Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king’s friend: (1 Kings 4:5, often confused with the priest of the same name)
Another Azariah is noted for his brave stand against King Uzziah (also known as Azariah, see below) who presumed to enter the Temple and offer incense, a task reserved solely for the priests. This Azariah, the High Priest, led eighty other courageous priests to confront the king:
And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: (2 Chronicles 26:17)
2. Azariah the King of Judah (Uzziah)
One of the most powerful kings of Judah was originally named Azariah. He is most famously known by his alternate name, Uzziah ($\text{‘Uzzîyāh}$, meaning “My Strength is the LORD”). He began his long and prosperous reign at the age of sixteen.
All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah. (2 Kings 14:21, KJV)
Despite his success in war and his massive building programs, his life ended tragically when he tried to take the priest’s role, as mentioned above. For his transgression, God smote him with leprosy, and he remained separate until the day of his death.
And Azariah the high priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. (2 Chronicles 26:20)
3. Azariah the Prophet
A third key figure was a prophet named Azariah, the son of Oded. He was sent by God to meet King Asa after Asa’s victory over the Ethiopians.
Azariah delivered a powerful message of covenant fidelity, which spurred King Asa to undertake a massive, long-lasting spiritual reform throughout Judah.
And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. (2 Chronicles 15:1–2)
4. Azariah (Abednego) in Babylon
A final, highly familiar Azariah is one of the three Jewish youths taken captive to Babylon, along with Daniel. In Babylon, his name was changed by the chief of the eunuchs to Abednego (“Servant of Nebo,” a Babylonian god).
Azariah, under the name Abednego, famously demonstrated his faithfulness to the God of Israel by refusing to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol and was miraculously preserved in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:20).
And when these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace, the king rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and the king said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. (Daniel 3:23–25)
The many individuals named Azariah, all meaning “The Lord Has Helped,” collectively testify to God’s unwavering providence, working through priests, kings, prophets, and captives alike.