### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉhôwnâdâb**, represented by `{{H3082}}`, means "Jehovah-largessed" and is the name given to an Israelite and an Arab. It is also rendered as Jonadab. This name appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses**, highlighting specific individuals who played key roles in Israel's narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Yᵉhôwnâdâb** is associated with two notable figures in the biblical record. In one context, Jonadab gives cunning advice to Amnon concerning his sister Tamar [[2 Samuel 13:5]]. In another, Jehonadab the son of Rechab is depicted as a man of principle. He meets Jehu, who asks if his heart is **right** `{{H3477}}`, and upon affirming his allegiance, Jehonadab joins Jehu in his chariot [[2 Kings 10:15]]. He then assists Jehu in ensuring that only worshippers of Baal are present before they are judged [[2 Kings 10:23]]. The legacy of Jonadab, son of Rechab, is later commended because his descendants continued to **obey** `{{H8085}}` his command not to drink wine ([[Jeremiah 35:8]], [[Jeremiah 35:14]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the character and impact of **Yᵉhôwnâdâb**:
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.)): The descendants of Jonadab are defined by their obedience, as they state, "Thus have we **obeyed** the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father" [[Jeremiah 35:8]].
* `{{H6680}}` **tsâvâh** ((intensively) to constitute, enjoin): This word defines the authority of Jonadab's instructions to his family. Jeremiah notes that the Rechabites kept all that their father **commanded** `{{H6680}}` them [[Jeremiah 35:18]].
* `{{H3477}}` **yâshâr** (straight (literally or figuratively)): This term is central to the interaction between Jehu and Jehonadab, where allegiance is measured by the state of the heart. Jehu asks, "Is thine heart **right**, as my heart is with thy heart?" [[2 Kings 10:15]].
### Theological Significance
The accounts of **Yᵉhôwnâdâb** carry significant thematic weight, particularly through the figure of the son of Rechab.
* **Legacy of Obedience:** The unwavering commitment of Jonadab's descendants to his commands serves as a powerful illustration of faithfulness. Their obedience is directly contrasted with Israel's failure to **hearken** `{{H8085}}` to God's words ([[Jeremiah 35:14]], [[Jeremiah 35:16]]).
* **Right-Hearted Allegiance:** Jehonadab's encounter with Jehu emphasizes the importance of a heart that is **right** `{{H3477}}` and aligned with God's purposes. He doesn't just offer words but joins Jehu in his chariot, demonstrating active participation in purging wickedness ([[2 Kings 10:15]], [[2 Kings 10:23]]).
* **Enduring Commands:** The story of the Rechabites shows how a father's **commandment** `{{H4687}}` can establish a legacy of righteous living that endures for generations, becoming a testament to their identity and discipline [[Jeremiah 35:18]].
### Summary
In summary, **Yᵉhôwnâdâb** `{{H3082}}` is more than a historical name; it embodies principles of counsel, allegiance, and generational faithfulness. While one Jonadab is known for his worldly counsel [[2 Samuel 13:5]], Jehonadab the son of Rechab stands as a lasting biblical example of a man whose righteous heart and commands influenced his descendants to maintain a heritage of steadfast obedience, a legacy praised by God himself.
TRV