Seraiah

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Hebrew Śerāyâ (“Yahweh has prevailed/ruled”), reflecting divine sovereignty in name-form.
Period/Era: Exilic (final days of Judah and the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem).
Main References: 2 Kings 25:18–21; Jeremiah 52:24–27.
Key Connections: High priest serving at the Jerusalem temple; taken by Nebuzaradan to Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah.

Who was Seraiah?

Seraiah was the high priest in Jerusalem at the time of Babylon’s capture of the city.
After the temple was breached and leaders were seized, he was taken with other officials.
He appears in accounts that record the collapse of Judah’s institutions under Babylonian rule.

Key Events & Achievements

Arrested after Jerusalem’s fall: Seized along with senior temple personnel when Babylon secured the city (2 Kings 25:18).
Brought to Riblah for judgment: Taken by the Babylonian captain to Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah in the land of Hamath (2 Kings 25:20).
Executed by Babylon: Put to death with other Judean leaders, marking the end of the priestly administration in Jerusalem at that moment (2 Kings 25:21).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Seraiah’s death underscores how the exile brought abrupt disruption to Judah’s temple leadership and public worship.

Key Verse

“Then the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath.” — 2 Kings 25:21, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What role did Seraiah hold in Jerusalem when Babylon captured the city?

2. Where was Seraiah taken to face judgment before being put to death?