from יְהֹוָה and (perhaps) אֵשׁ; Jehovah-fired; Jehoash, the name of two Israelite kings; Jehoash. Compare יוֹאָשׁ.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwʼâsh
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-awsh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H3060}}` (Yᵉhôwʼâsh), transliterated as Jehoash, is a compound name. Its base definition indicates a derivation from `{{H3068}}` (YHWH, the divine name, often rendered "Jehovah" or "the LORD") and, with some scholarly suggestion, `{{H784}}` (אֵשׁ, 'esh, meaning "fire"). This etymological breakdown suggests a core meaning along the lines of "Jehovah-fired," "Jehovah has given," or "Jehovah is strong/fire." The element of "fire" (`{{H784}}`) can denote divine power, zeal, judgment, or purification in biblical contexts. As a proper noun, its primary function is to identify specific individuals, rather than describing an action or quality. It is closely related to `{{H3101}}` (Yo'ash, Joash), which is a shortened form of the same name, carrying the identical theological implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3060}}` is most notably associated with two kings in the divided monarchy:
1. **Jehoash (Joash) of Judah:** Son of Ahaziah, he reigned for 40 years in Jerusalem (c. 835-796 BC). His story is primarily found in [[2 Kings 11:1]]-[[2 Kings 12:21]] and [[2 Chronicles 24:1]]-[[2 Chronicles 24:27]].
* He was miraculously saved as an infant from the massacre by his grandmother Athaliah by the priest Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba ([[2 Kings 11:2]]).
* Crowned king at age seven, he initially "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest" ([[2 Kings 12:2]]). During this period, he initiated significant repairs and restoration of the Temple ([[2 Kings 12:4-16]]).
* However, after Jehoiada's death, Jehoash tragically turned away from the LORD, listening to the princes of Judah and serving Asherim and idols ([[2 Chronicles 24:17-18]]). He even sanctioned the stoning of Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, who prophesied against their apostasy ([[2 Chronicles 24:20-22]]).
* His reign ended in defeat by the Arameans and his assassination by his own servants ([[2 Kings 12:17-21]], [[2 Chronicles 24:23-25]]).
2. **Jehoash (Joash) of Israel:** Son of Jehoahaz, he reigned for 16 years in Samaria (c. 798-782 BC). His account is in [[2 Kings 13:10]]-[[2 Kings 14:16]].
* He is characterized as doing "what was evil in the sight of the LORD" and not departing from the sins of Jeroboam ([[2 Kings 13:11]]).
* Despite his unrighteousness, he visited the prophet Elisha on his deathbed and received a prophecy of victory over Aram, which he fulfilled by defeating them three times ([[2 Kings 13:14-19]], [[2 Kings 13:25]]).
* He engaged in war with Amaziah of Judah, defeating him and plundering the Temple and royal palace in Jerusalem ([[2 Kings 14:8-14]]).
The contrast between the inherent theological meaning of the name `{{H3060}}` and the actions of these kings provides a poignant study in human fallibility and divine patience. While Jehoash of Judah began with promise, his later apostasy underscores the danger of spiritual decline. Jehoash of Israel, though consistently unrighteous, still experienced God's partial favor in the context of His covenant with Israel, particularly through Elisha.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3068}}` (YHWH):** The foundational element of `{{H3060}}`, signifying the personal name of the God of Israel. Names incorporating YHWH are common in the Old Testament and often serve as declarations of faith or theological statements about God's character and action (e.g., "The LORD is my strength," "The LORD saves").
* **`{{H784}}` (אֵשׁ - 'esh):** Fire. This element, if indeed part of the name's etymology, evokes powerful biblical imagery. Fire is associated with God's presence (e.g., the burning bush, the pillar of fire), His purifying judgment (e.g., a refiner's fire), and His consuming holiness.
* **`{{H3101}}` (יוֹאָשׁ - Yo'ash):** Joash. This is a common shortened form of `{{H3060}}`. It is used interchangeably for the kings discussed and also identifies other individuals, such as the father of Gideon ([[Judges 6:11]]). The existence of both forms reinforces the shared theological meaning.
* **Theophoric Names:** `{{H3060}}` belongs to the category of theophoric names, which integrate a divine name or attribute. These names were not merely labels but often carried a spiritual weight, reflecting the parents' faith, a hope for the child, or a theological truth.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H3060}}` Jehoash, meaning "Jehovah-fired" or "Jehovah has given," carries significant theological weight. It inherently points to the active presence and power of YHWH in the life of the individual.
The lives of the two kings bearing this name present a profound theological paradox. For Jehoash of Judah, his early reign under Jehoiada's guidance saw him live up to the potential of his name, demonstrating a zeal for the Lord's house and commands. His later apostasy and the murder of Zechariah, however, stand as a stark testament to the human capacity for turning away from divine grace, even after experiencing God's miraculous preservation and blessing. This narrative underscores the importance of continued faithfulness and the consequences of spiritual compromise.
For Jehoash of Israel, his consistent adherence to the sins of Jeroboam makes his name's meaning particularly ironic. Yet, the account of Elisha's deathbed prophecy and Jehoash's subsequent victories demonstrates God's sovereignty and His willingness to work through imperfect vessels, even those who do not fully honor His name, to achieve His broader redemptive purposes for His people. This highlights the concept of divine patience and the reality that God's plans can unfold despite human unfaithfulness.
Ultimately, the study of `{{H3060}}` serves as a powerful reminder that while a name may declare a profound truth about God, the individual's life must actively embody that truth through obedience and faithfulness. The narratives of both Jehoash kings illustrate the tension between divine calling and human free will, God's enduring covenant love, and the inevitable consequences of sin.
### Summary
`{{H3060}}` (Yᵉhôwʼâsh), or Jehoash, is a Hebrew proper noun derived from `{{H3068}}` (YHWH) and possibly `{{H784}}` (fire), conveying the meaning "Jehovah-fired" or "Jehovah has given." This theophoric name was borne by two kings in the divided monarchy: Jehoash of Judah and Jehoash of Israel. Jehoash of Judah initially displayed faithfulness by repairing the Temple but later apostatized and was assassinated. Jehoash of Israel, despite his continued idolatry, received divine aid through Elisha, securing military victories. The study of `{{H3060}}` reveals a poignant contrast between the theological significance embedded in a divinely-connected name and the often-flawed realities of human leadership. It underscores themes of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, the consequences of obedience and rebellion, and God's enduring yet just interaction with His covenant people, even through imperfect instruments. The shorter form of the name, `{{H3101}}` (Joash), shares the same etymological and theological roots.
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