from יְהֹוָה and שָׁבַע; Jehovah-sworn; Jehosheba, an Israelitess; Jehosheba. Compare יְהוֹשַׁבְעַת.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwshebaʻ
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-sheh'-bah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name Yᵉhôwshebaʻ (`{{H3089}}`) is a compound name derived from two significant elements: YHWH (יהוה, `{{H3068}}`), the personal name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," and the verb shābaʻ (שָׁבַע, `{{H7650}}`), meaning "to swear," "to take an oath," or "to bind oneself by an oath." Thus, the name Jehosheba literally means "Jehovah is an oath" or "Jehovah has sworn." This etymology suggests a divine promise or a covenantal assurance associated with the individual bearing the name. As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily tied to the specific person in biblical narrative, though the inherent meaning of the name carries theological weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Jehosheba (`{{H3089}}`) appears in the biblical narrative in two primary passages: [[2 Kings 11:2]] and [[2 Chronicles 22:11]]. She is identified as the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah, and therefore the sister of King Ahaziah. Crucially, she is also identified as the wife of Jehoiada the priest. Her most significant act, and the sole reason for her mention in Scripture, is her courageous intervention to save Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, from the massacre ordered by Athaliah.
Following the death of Ahaziah, his mother Athaliah seized power and sought to eliminate all royal heirs to secure her reign, slaughtering the entire royal family. However, Jehosheba, demonstrating remarkable bravery and loyalty to the Davidic line, secretly rescued the infant Joash, her nephew, from among the king's sons who were being put to death. She hid him and his nurse in a bedchamber, and subsequently, with her husband Jehoiada, concealed him in the house of the LORD for six years. This act was pivotal, as it preserved the sole surviving heir of the Davidic dynasty, ensuring the continuation of the covenant line through which the Messiah would eventually come. Her actions directly counteracted Athaliah's destructive agenda and played a vital role in the preservation of the legitimate kingship in Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Jehosheba (`{{H3089}}`) is closely related to Jehoshabeath (`{{H3088}}`), which is simply an alternative spelling or transliteration of the same name for the same individual, found in [[2 Chronicles 22:11]]. This highlights the common practice of variations in proper names within the Hebrew text.
The etymological roots are fundamental to understanding the name's depth:
* **YHWH (יהוה, `{{H3068}}`):** The divine name underscores that the "oath" or "swearing" is intrinsically linked to God Himself. This connects Jehosheba's actions to divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises.
* **Shābaʻ (שָׁבַע, `{{H7650}}`):** This verb signifies the act of taking an oath, often in a covenantal context. It is related to the number "seven" (shebaʻ, שֶׁבַע), symbolizing completeness or perfection, and thus, a binding, perfect oath. This root is found in numerous biblical contexts related to divine covenants, promises, and solemn declarations.
Thematic concepts related to Jehosheba's story include:
* **Divine Preservation:** God's active role in protecting His chosen line.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David (e.g., [[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]).
* **Loyalty and Courage:** The human virtues displayed by Jehosheba in the face of extreme danger.
* **Messianic Line:** The critical importance of her actions in preserving the lineage from which the Messiah would descend.
### Theological Significance
Jehosheba's act of saving Joash carries profound theological significance. Her intervention is not merely a historical anecdote but a crucial moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. By preserving the last remnant of the Davidic line, she became an instrument of divine providence, ensuring the continuity of the covenant God made with David concerning an everlasting throne ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). Athaliah's attempt to eradicate the royal seed was a direct assault on God's promises, a manifestation of the spiritual warfare against the divine plan of salvation. Jehosheba's quiet, courageous act, undertaken in the very house of the Lord, thwarted this satanic opposition.
Her story underscores several theological truths:
1. **God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness:** Even in times of great apostasy and political turmoil, God remains faithful to His word and sovereignly orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes. Jehosheba's action demonstrates how God can use unexpected individuals, even a woman in a patriarchal society, to achieve His grand designs.
2. **The Importance of the Davidic Covenant:** The preservation of Joash was essential for the eventual coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the "Son of David" (e.g., [[Matthew 1:1]]). Without Jehosheba's intervention, the lineage would have been broken, seemingly jeopardizing the fulfillment of prophecy.
3. **Divine Protection of the Remnant:** Her act highlights God's commitment to protecting a "remnant" through whom His purposes will be accomplished, even when the broader nation has fallen into sin.
4. **Courageous Obedience:** Jehosheba's decision to defy Athaliah's murderous decree and hide the child was an act of faith and courageous obedience, demonstrating that human agency, when aligned with God's will, can have eternal consequences.
### Summary
Jehosheba (`{{H3089}}`), whose name means "Jehovah is an oath" or "Jehovah has sworn," is a pivotal figure in the Old Testament, primarily known for her courageous and divinely instrumental act of saving the infant Joash from the murderous purge of Athaliah. As the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of Jehoiada the priest, her unique position enabled her to hide Joash in the temple for six years, thereby preserving the sole surviving heir of the Davidic dynasty. This act was critical for the continuation of God's covenant with David, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. Her story serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, His sovereign preservation of His promises even amidst human wickedness, and the profound impact of individual courage in the unfolding of salvation history.
TRV