Jedidiah is the special name God gave to Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24-25), the son of David and Bathsheba, after David repented of his sin. Delivered through the prophet Nathan, the name means “Beloved of Jehovah.” It was God’s personal declaration that He had accepted David’s repentance and restored him to favor. Naming the child Jedidiah was a sign of divine mercy and affection at a moment when David deeply needed reassurance of God’s forgiveness.
Solomon, however, remained the name used by his family and the nation. That name means “the peaceful,” pointing to the character of his reign and God’s promise that Solomon would rule during a time of peace and stability. In Scripture, Jedidiah functions more like a private, symbolic name—a spiritual title expressing God’s love—while Solomon served as his public, royal name. In other words, Solomon described his role; Jedidiah described God’s heart toward him.
A similar name appears later in Israel’s history: Jedidah, the mother of King Josiah (2 Kings 22:1). Her name also means “beloved of Jehovah,” showing that this expression of divine affection appears more than once in Scripture. Together, these names remind us that God’s love and favor can shine even in situations marked by human weakness, and that He delights in restoring those who turn back to Him.
