Who was Jedidiah?

Jedidiah (יְדִידְיָה Yedidyah) was the name given by the prophet Nathan, on behalf of the Lord, to Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba. The name Jedidiah means “Beloved of the Lord” or “Loved by Yahweh.” It is mentioned only once in the Bible, in 2 Samuel 12:24-25, but its significance carries profound theological and redemptive implications within the biblical narrative.

After the death of their first child as divine judgment for David’s sin with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11), David comforted Bathsheba, and she gave birth to a second son. They named him Solomon, but the Lord sent word through Nathan the prophet that He also named him Jedidiah, “because the Lord loved him” (2 Samuel 12:25). This divine naming marked Solomon as the object of God‘s special favor and grace, even before he ascended to the throne.

Biblical References

• 2 Samuel 12:24-25 – The direct reference to Jedidiah and God‘s declaration of love for Solomon.

• 1 Chronicles 22:9-10 – God‘s promise of peace and a son who will build the temple, later fulfilled in Solomon.

• 1 Kings 1-11 – Chronicles the reign of Solomon.

• Matthew 1:6-7 – Solomon is named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, highlighting his role in the redemptive lineage.

The Story of Jedidiah in the Bible

The name Jedidiah appears in a deeply emotional and redemptive context. David, having sinned grievously by committing adultery and murder, faced the chastisement of God. His first child with Bathsheba died, an event marked by David’s fasting, mourning, and eventual acceptance of God’s judgment (2 Samuel 12:15-23).

When Solomon was born, it marked a new chapter — not just in David’s personal life but in God‘s ongoing covenantal work with Israel. The naming of Solomon as Jedidiah was an extraordinary expression of divine grace: God had not rejected David, nor his line, despite the grievous sins. Instead, He affirmed His love for this child and His ongoing redemptive plan through David’s lineage.

Though the name Jedidiah is not used elsewhere, the identity and mission of Solomon — as the one “beloved of the Lord” — is central to Israel’s history. Solomon would become the king of peace, build the temple of God, and serve as a type of Christ in wisdom, reign, and priestly mediation.

What Jedidiah’s Story Means for Christians Today

The story of Jedidiah illustrates God‘s grace and faithfulness even in the aftermath of sin. David‘s sin had devastating consequences, but God‘s purposes were not thwarted. In Solomon (Jedidiah), God affirmed His covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

This points us to a key biblical truth: God‘s redemptive work is not canceled by human failure. While sin carries consequences, God is able to bring about restoration and carry forward His promises — not because of human worthiness, but because of His steadfast love.

Jedidiah serves as a sign of hope for believers who have experienced the grief of failure or loss. God‘s grace can bring forth something new — something marked by divine favor — even from the ashes of brokenness. This truth resonates powerfully for modern Christians who look to the Lord for forgiveness, renewal, and a fresh start in their walk of faith.

How Jedidiah’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Jedidiah (Solomon) is a significant figure in the Messianic lineage. The name Solomon means “peaceful,” and together with Jedidiah (“beloved of the Lord”), he foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the true Prince of Peace and the ultimate Beloved Son of the Father.

Jesus was identified at His baptism with a similar divine affirmation: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Like Solomon, Jesus would build a temple — not a physical one, but a living temple composed of His redeemed people (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Solomon’s reign brought peace, prosperity, and wisdom, albeit imperfectly. Jesus brings perfect peace with God (Romans 5:1), perfect wisdom from above (1 Corinthians 1:30), and an eternal kingdom (Luke 1:32-33). Thus, Jedidiah is a foreshadowing type of Christ, who is both Beloved and Builder.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Divine Grace After Judgment

Jedidiah’s birth follows divine judgment, showing that God‘s grace is often revealed in the wake of sin’s consequences. This mirrors the gospel, where the cross — judgment — gives way to resurrection — grace.

2. Covenant Continuity

The promise to David that his line would endure finds early expression in Solomon, and ultimate fulfillment in Christ (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Luke 1:32-33).

3. Beloved of the Lord

Being “beloved” is a powerful biblical motif. Israel was called God’s beloved (Deuteronomy 33:12), the church is called beloved (Romans 1:7), and Jesus is the Beloved Son. The name Jedidiah captures this covenantal love.

4. Names with Prophetic Meaning

Biblical names often signify divine purpose. Jedidiah’s name proclaims God’s gracious election, reminding readers that those whom God loves, He also calls and uses for His purposes.

Reflection Questions

1. What does the story of Jedidiah teach us about God‘s grace in the aftermath of sin?

2. How does God‘s naming of Solomon as Jedidiah shape our understanding of divine love and election?

3. In what ways does Solomon foreshadow Jesus Christ? What similarities and differences do you see?

4. Have you ever experienced God’s restoration after failure? How did that affect your view of His love?

5. How can remembering that we are “beloved in Christ” change the way we live day to day?

Jedidiah reminds us that God’s love is not based on our past but rooted in His eternal purposes. From David’s deepest regret came a child named Beloved — a testament to God’s mercy, a pointer to Christ, and a comfort to every believer who has tasted the sorrow of sin and the sweetness of divine grace.