The Hebrew name Yᵉhûwkal, represented by H3081, means potent. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. As an Israelite official named Jehucal, this individual plays a specific role in a singular biblical event.
The name Jehucal H3081 appears in the book of Jeremiah during the reign of King Zedekiah. He is identified as the son H1121 of Shelemiah H8018. In this single occurrence, Zedekiah H6667 the king H4428 sent H7971 Jehucal along with Zephaniah H6846 the priest H3548 to the prophet H5030 Jeremiah H3414. Their mission was to deliver a message from the king, asking Jeremiah to pray H6419 to the LORD H3068 on their behalf Jeremiah 37:3.
The context of Jehucal's appearance connects him to several key figures and actions:
- H6667 Tsidqîyâh (Zedekiah): The king who commanded the mission to Jeremiah Jeremiah 37:3. His name means "right of Jah."
- H3414 Yirmᵉyâh (Jeremiah): The prophet to whom Jehucal was sent. As a prophet H5030, he was the intended recipient of the king's message Jeremiah 37:3.
- H7971 shâlach (send): The action initiated by King Zedekiah, dispatching Jehucal and Zephaniah as messengers Jeremiah 37:3.
- H6419 pâlal (pray): The specific request Jehucal was sent to convey to Jeremiah, highlighting a moment where the king sought divine intercession Jeremiah 37:3.
The brief appearance of Jehucal H3081 is theologically significant for what it illustrates about the relationship between leadership and divine authority in a time of crisis.
- The Office of the Prophet: King Zedekiah's decision to send a delegation to Jeremiah H3414 underscores the recognized role of the prophet H5030 as an intercessor with the LORD H3068 Jeremiah 37:3.
- A Plea for Intercession: The mission's purpose—to request prayer—demonstrates a moment where political power acknowledges its limits and seeks spiritual intervention from God H430 through his chosen servant Jeremiah 37:3.
- Royal Delegation: Jehucal, as a son H1121 of Shelemiah H8018 and an official sent by the king H4428, represents the formal recognition of this need for divine communication.
In summary, Yᵉhûwkal H3081 is the name of an individual, Jehucal, whose sole appearance is as a royal messenger in the book of Jeremiah. While a minor figure, his participation in the delegation from King Zedekiah to the prophet Jeremiah provides a clear snapshot of the dynamic between Israel's monarchy and its prophetic office. His presence in this single verse Jeremiah 37:3 helps document a critical moment where a king sought divine intercession through a prophet.
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