Uriel

Uriel is a name borne by figures in the Levitical line of Kohath and, separately, by a man of Gibeah whose daughter became the mother of King Abijah. The UPDV places the name in three distinct settings: a genealogical link in the Kohathite line, a chief who assists David in moving the ark, and a grandfather of a Davidic king through the maternal line.

A Levite in the Kohathite Genealogy

The genealogy of the sons of Kohath in 1 Chronicles 6 lists Uriel as a link in a four-generation chain: "Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son" (1Ch 6:24). The verse fixes Uriel as the son of Tahath within the Levitical descent of Kohath, with no further narrative attached.

Chief of the Kohathites Under David

When David assembles the Levites to carry the ark of the covenant up to Jerusalem, Uriel appears as the head of the Kohathite contingent. Among the Levites mustered for the procession, "of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and his brothers a hundred and twenty" answer the summons (1Ch 15:5).

Uriel is then named again when David calls the priests and Levitical heads together: "And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab" (1Ch 15:11). David's charge is direct, addressed to all the assembled heads: "You⁺ are the heads of the fathers' [houses] of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both you⁺ and your⁺ brothers, that you⁺ may bring up the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel, to [the place] that I have prepared for it" (1Ch 15:12). Uriel stands among those charged with the consecration required to handle the ark.

Grandfather of King Abijah

A separate Uriel is identified through the maternal line of the Davidic monarchy. In the notice of Abijah's reign, the chronicler records: "He reigned three years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam" (2Ch 13:2). This Uriel is placed at Gibeah and is identified by his daughter's marriage into the royal house, making him the grandfather of King Abijah on the maternal side.