Nehemiah 12:10

And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

And Jeshua {H3442} begat {H3205} Joiakim {H3113}, Joiakim {H3113} also begat {H3205} Eliashib {H475}, and Eliashib {H475} begat {H3205} Joiada {H3111},

Yeshua was the father of Yoyakim, Yoyakim was the father of Elyashiv, Elyashiv was the father of Yoyada,

Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada,

And Jeshua begat Joiakim, and Joiakim begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

Commentary

Nehemiah 12:10 provides a crucial link in the high priestly lineage during the post-exilic period, tracing the succession from Jeshua, who returned with Zerubbabel, through his descendants Joiakim, Eliashib, and Joiada. This verse is part of a larger section in Nehemiah 12 that meticulously lists the priests and Levites, highlighting the organized structure of the restored community in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is found within a detailed genealogical record in Nehemiah 12, specifically verses 10-11, which outline the succession of high priests after the return from Babylonian exile. The book of Nehemiah focuses on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual restoration of the Jewish people under Nehemiah's leadership. The meticulous recording of priestly lines, such as the one beginning with Jeshua (Joshua) son of Jozadak, who served alongside Zerubbabel, underscored the importance of proper religious authority and continuity in the restored community. Eliashib, mentioned here, was the high priest during Nehemiah's time and played a significant role in the rebuilding of the walls and later, unfortunately, in compromising temple integrity (see Nehemiah 13).

Key Themes

  • Continuity of Priesthood: The primary message is the unbroken succession of the high priestly office. This continuity was vital for maintaining the spiritual life of Israel, as the high priest represented the people before God and oversaw temple operations.
  • Historical Record and Lineage: The detailed genealogies throughout the Old Testament, including this one, emphasize the importance of identity, inheritance, and the divine promises tied to specific families and offices within Israel. Such records validated claims to priestly service and ensured proper adherence to Mosaic Law.
  • Divine Faithfulness: Despite the challenges of exile and return, God faithfully maintained a line of leadership for His people, ensuring that the temple service and the covenant relationship could continue.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "begat" is yalad (Χ™ΦΈΧœΦ·Χ“), which simply means "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to father." In genealogical contexts like this, it signifies direct lineal descent, indicating that Joiakim was the son of Jeshua, Eliashib the son of Joiakim, and Joiada the son of Eliashib. There isn't a complex linguistic nuance to this particular usage beyond establishing biological succession.

Practical Application

While a genealogical list might seem dry, Nehemiah 12:10 offers several insights for today:

  • The Importance of Faithful Leadership: The careful record of priestly succession underscores the value of continuity in spiritual leadership. It reminds us of the need for qualified and dedicated leaders to guide God's people through generations.
  • God's Order and Providence: This verse illustrates God's orderly nature and His providence in sustaining His people and their institutions, even through difficult times. He ensures that His work continues through successive generations.
  • Value of History: Understanding our spiritual heritage and the historical faithfulness of God can inspire confidence and perseverance in our own walks of faith. The records of the past serve as a testament to God's enduring plan.
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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 13:28

    And [one] of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, [was] son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

  • Nehemiah 13:7

    And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:3

    And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:15

    And Jehozadak went [into captivity], when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

  • Nehemiah 13:4

    And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, [was] allied unto Tobiah:

  • Nehemiah 12:26

    These [were] in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.

  • Nehemiah 3:1

    ΒΆ Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
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