### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉhôwshebaʻ**, represented by `{{H3089}}`, means **Jehovah-sworn**. This name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, identifying a specific Israelitess. Despite its single occurrence, the name belongs to a pivotal figure whose actions preserved the royal lineage of Judah at a moment of crisis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of **Yᵉhôwshebaʻ** is in the historical account of [[2 Kings 11:2]]. In this passage, she is identified as the daughter `{{H1323}}` of king `{{H4428}}` Joram `{{H3141}}` and the sister `{{H269}}` of the recently deceased king Ahaziah `{{H274}}`. The narrative describes how she took `{{H3947}}` Joash `{{H3101}}`, the young son `{{H1121}}` of Ahaziah, and stole `{{H1589}}` him away from the other royal sons who were being slain `{{H4191}}`. She then hid `{{H5641}}` the child and his nurse `{{H3243}}` in a bedchamber `{{H2315}}``{{H4296}}`, saving him from the murderous purge of Athaliah `{{H6271}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this account highlight the gravity and details of Jehosheba's act:
* `{{H1589}}` **gânab** (to thieve; steal): This verb describes Jehosheba's desperate and secret rescue of Joash from certain death, emphasizing the stealth required [[2 Kings 11:2]].
* `{{H5641}}` **çâthar** (to hide (by covering)): This word is crucial to the narrative, as Jehosheba's ability to conceal Joash and his nurse was essential for his survival [[2 Kings 11:2]].
* `{{H6271}}` **ʻĂthalyâh** (Athaliah): The queen mother who instigated the massacre. Jehosheba's actions directly opposed Athaliah's attempt to destroy the royal line [[2 Kings 11:2]].
* `{{H3101}}` **Yôwʼâsh** (Joash): The son of Ahaziah and the future king, whose life Jehosheba preserves, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic dynasty [[2 Kings 11:2]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die; causatively, to kill): This word establishes the deadly stakes of the situation, as Athaliah's goal was to ensure all of the king's sons were slain [[2 Kings 11:2]].
### Theological Significance
The singular act of `{{H3089}}` Jehosheba carries significant narrative weight.
* **Preservation of the Royal Line:** By rescuing Joash `{{H3101}}`, the son of Ahaziah, Jehosheba single-handedly prevents the extermination of the house of David at the hands of Athaliah `{{H6271}}`.
* **Courage in the Face of Tyranny:** Her decision to steal `{{H1589}}` the child heir from among those being slain `{{H4191}}` was an act of profound courage against the ruling authority.
* **An Instrument of Providence:** Her name, meaning "Jehovah-sworn," is fitting for her role in the story. She acts in a way that upholds God's covenant promises to the line of King David, ensuring that Athaliah's plot to wipe out the king's sons would not succeed.
### Summary
In summary, while the name **Yᵉhôwshebaʻ** `{{H3089}}` is mentioned only once, it is attached to one of the most consequential acts of rescue in the Old Testament. As the daughter of King Joram, she used her position to save her nephew Joash from a politically motivated slaughter. Her story is a powerful illustration of how the bravery of one individual can shape the course of history and preserve a divinely appointed lineage.
TRV