Ahimaaz

Ahimaaz (אַחִימַעַץ)

Ahimaaz (pronounced a-KHEE-ma-ats) is a masculine Hebrew name meaning "my brother is wrath" or "brother of wrath". It appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), referring to several different individuals:

• Ahimaaz, son of Zadok: This Ahimaaz is perhaps the most well-known. He was the son of Zadok, the High Priest during the reign of King David. He is primarily known for his role as a messenger who, along with Jonathan son of Abiathar, secretly informed David of Absalom's plans and the council of Ahithophel during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:24-37, 17:15-22). He is later mentioned for his eagerness to deliver the news of Absalom's defeat to David, ultimately running a separate route to arrive before the other messenger, Cushi (2 Samuel 18:19-33).

• Ahimaaz, the husband of Basemath, a daughter of Solomon: This Ahimaaz is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:15 as being appointed by King Solomon as a district officer responsible for the region of Naphtali. He was married to Basemath, one of Solomon's daughters.

• Ahimaaz, father of Azariah: This Ahimaaz is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:8-9 as part of the priestly lineage descending from Zadok. He is listed as the father of Azariah, who served as a priest in the First Temple period.

The name Ahimaaz is relatively uncommon in modern usage. Its historical significance derives primarily from the biblical figures who bore the name, particularly Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, due to his loyalty to King David and his role in relaying crucial information during a time of political upheaval.