### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉhôwshabʻath**, represented by `{{H3090}}`, is the name of an Israelitess. It appears **2 times** across **1 unique verses** in scripture. The name is a form of יְהוֹשֶׁבַע, and its base definition is Jehoshabath or Jehoshabeath.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The narrative of **Yᵉhôwshabʻath** is contained entirely within a single, dramatic verse. She is identified as the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of king **Jehoram** `{{H3088}}` and the **sister** `{{H269}}` of king **Ahaziah** `{{H274}}`. During a time of crisis when the king's **sons** `{{H1121}}` were being **slain** `{{H4191}}`, she **took** `{{H3947}}` her nephew, **Joash** `{{H3101}}`, the son of **Ahaziah** `{{H274}}`, and **stole** `{{H1589}}` him from danger. **Yᵉhôwshabʻath**, who was also the **wife** `{{H802}}` of **Jehoiada** `{{H3077}}` the **priest** `{{H3548}}`, then **hid** `{{H5641}}` the young prince and his **nurse** `{{H3243}}` in a **bedchamber** `{{H2315}}`. This courageous act saved Joash from the murderous purge of **Athaliah** `{{H6271}}` [[2 Chronicles 22:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the narrative highlight the gravity and nature of her actions:
* `{{H1589}}` **gânab** (to thieve): This word describes her decisive move to rescue Joash. It implies taking something secretly or by stealth, which was necessary to save him from being slain [[2 Chronicles 22:11]].
* `{{H5641}}` **çâthar** (to hide): This term defines the method of protection she employed. By concealing Joash and his nurse in a bedchamber, she kept him from the sight of Athaliah [[2 Chronicles 22:11]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This word establishes the deadly context of the story, as the other king's sons "were slain." Jehoshabeath's intervention prevented Joash from this fate [[2 Chronicles 22:11]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): This term establishes her royal lineage as the "daughter of the king," which gave her the access and opportunity to carry out the rescue of the heir [[2 Chronicles 22:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3090}}` is tied directly to her single recorded action.
* **Preservation of the Royal Line:** By rescuing **Joash** `{{H3101}}`, the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Ahaziah** `{{H274}}`, **Yᵉhôwshabʻath** ensured the survival of the Davidic line against the attempt by **Athaliah** `{{H6271}}` to destroy it [[2 Chronicles 22:11]]. Her action was pivotal in the continuation of the royal lineage.
* **Courageous Faith:** She risked her life by defying Athaliah. The text states she **stole** `{{H1589}}` and **hid** `{{H5641}}` the child, directly subverting the queen's authority to prevent the boy from being **slain** `{{H4191}}`.
* **Union of Royalty and Priesthood:** Her identity as both the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of a **king** `{{H4428}}` and the **wife** `{{H802}}` of **Jehoiada** the **priest** `{{H3548}}` placed her in a unique position to act. This connection between the royal house and the priesthood was instrumental in safeguarding and eventually restoring the rightful heir to the throne [[2 Chronicles 22:11]].
### Summary
In summary, **Yᵉhôwshabʻath** `{{H3090}}` is a pivotal figure whose significance is demonstrated in one heroic act. Though mentioned only in a single verse, her quick thinking and bravery in **stealing** `{{H1589}}` and **hiding** `{{H5641}}` the young prince **Joash** `{{H3101}}` from the murderous plot of **Athaliah** `{{H6271}}` had profound consequences. Her story, recorded in [[2 Chronicles 22:11]], illustrates how the decisive action of one individual, uniquely positioned by birth and marriage, can preserve a royal and covenantal lineage in a moment of extreme peril.
TRV