Hammelech
Divided Kingdom
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Hammelech, meaning "the king," was the father of Jerahmeel and Malchijah (or 'Malchiah'), officials mentioned in the book of Jeremiah.
Hammelech, whose name means 'the king,' appears in Jeremiah 36:26 and 38:6 as the father of Jerahmeel and Malchiah respectively—officials who acted against Jeremiah during the reign of Jehoiakim. Most scholars understand 'Hammelech' as a title rather than a personal name, identifying these men as 'the king's son'—either biological sons or members of the royal household. This interpretation places Jerahmeel and Malchiah among the royally connected officials who sought to suppress Jeremiah's prophetic messages.