נחמיה, פרק י׳, פסוק ג׳

A historic covenant is sealed to renew the commitment of the people, and a formal list records the leaders who signed the document. Among the prominent figures stepping forward to endorse this pact are men like Serayah, Azaryah, and Yirmeyah, who likely served as priests.

One of the most important leaders of this era, Ezra the Scribe, was a key organizer of the gathering and was certainly present. Yet, his famous name is surprisingly absent from the list of signers. A fascinating detail resolves this mystery, identifying him as the very Azaryah mentioned in the record [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The name Ezra is actually a shortened Aramaic version of his original Hebrew name, Azaryah. Because the signing of this covenant was an official, national event of great importance, he set aside his common Aramaic name. Instead, he chose to sign the formal state document using his full, original Hebrew name.