from יְהֹוָה and שָׁפַט; Jehovah-judged; Jehoshaphat, the name of six Israelites; also of a valley near Jerusalem; Jehoshaphat. Compare יוֹשָׁפָט.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-shaw-fawt'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ), Strong's H3092, is a compound proper noun derived from two foundational elements of the Hebrew language: יְהֹוָה (YHWH), the personal, covenantal name of God, and שָׁפַט (shâphaṭ), a verb meaning "to judge," "to govern," or "to decide." Thus, the name literally translates to "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh judges." This structure places it within the common category of theophoric names in ancient Israel, where an attribute or action of God is incorporated into a personal name, often reflecting a theological statement or a prayer. As a proper noun, its semantic range is specifically confined to identifying individuals and one particular geographical location within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ) appears numerous times throughout the Old Testament, referring to several distinct individuals and a significant topographical feature:
1. **Jehoshaphat, King of Judah:** This is by far the most prominent bearer of the name. He was the son of Asa and reigned over Judah for 25 years (c. 870-845 BC). His reign is extensively documented in [[1 Kings 22]] and [[2 Chronicles 17-21]]. He is largely portrayed as a righteous king who "walked in the ways of his father David" ([[2 Chronicles 17:3]]), diligently working to remove idolatry, establish justice, and promote the teaching of the Law throughout the land. Despite forming a controversial alliance with Ahab of Israel, his consistent reliance on Yahweh, particularly in times of military threat (e.g., against the Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites in [[2 Chronicles 20]]), underscores the meaning of his name. His prayer for divine intervention and the subsequent miraculous victory, where God fought for Judah, powerfully illustrate the concept of "Yahweh judges" or "Yahweh delivers."
2. **Jehoshaphat, Son of Ahilud:** He served as a recorder or chronicler in the administrations of both King David and King Solomon (e.g., [[2 Samuel 8:16]], [[1 Kings 4:3]]). This was a vital role, involving the accurate documentation of royal decrees, historical events, and perhaps even judicial proceedings, thereby subtly connecting to the "judgment" aspect of his name.
3. **Jehoshaphat, Father of Jehu:** Mentioned in [[2 Kings 9:2]] as the father of Jehu, who was anointed by Elisha's disciple to overthrow the Omride dynasty in Israel.
4. **Jehoshaphat, a Priest:** Listed among the priests who blew trumpets before the ark of God during David's time, as recorded in [[1 Chronicles 15:24]].
5. **Jehoshaphat, Son of Parosh:** Identified in [[Ezra 10:42]] as one of the men who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period and was required to put them away.
6. **Jehoshaphat, a Meherathite:** One of David's mighty men, mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 11:43]].
The name also designates **the Valley of Jehoshaphat**, a geographical location mentioned in the prophetic book of Joel ([[Joel 3:2]], [[Joel 3:12]]). Here, the valley is depicted as the place where Yahweh will gather all the nations for a decisive judgment. While its precise historical identification is debated, tradition often places it in the Kidron Valley, east of Jerusalem. The naming of this valley reinforces the core meaning of "Yahweh judges," transforming it from a personal attribute into a universal, eschatological event of divine justice.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ) is enriched by considering its linguistic and theological connections:
* **`{{H3068}}` (YHWH):** The divine name is the first component of Jehoshaphat, signifying that the judgment originates from and is executed by God Himself. This emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty and authority over all creation and human affairs.
* **`{{H8199}}` (shâphaṭ):** The verb "to judge" or "to govern" is the second component. This root is fundamental to understanding God's character as a righteous judge, a just ruler, and one who vindicates the oppressed. It encompasses both punitive judgment and the act of setting things right, bringing order, and delivering justice.
* **Theophoric Names:** Jehoshaphat belongs to a large category of biblical names that incorporate divine elements (e.g., Elijah, "My God is Yahweh"; Isaiah, "Yahweh is salvation"; Daniel, "God is my judge"). These names often served as declarations of faith, prayers, or prophetic statements concerning the individual or their lineage.
* **Divine Judgment and Justice:** The name is intrinsically linked to the overarching biblical theme of God's judgment. This concept is not merely punitive but also redemptive, involving God's intervention to establish justice, uphold righteousness, and deliver His people from their enemies. The account of King Jehoshaphat's reign vividly illustrates this, as does the prophetic vision of the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
* **Righteous Rulership:** For King Jehoshaphat, his name resonated with his efforts to govern Judah according to God's laws, highlighting the ideal of a ruler who administers justice as an extension of divine authority.
### Theological Significance
The name יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ), "Yahweh has judged," carries profound theological weight.
Firstly, it serves as a constant affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty and His role as the ultimate, righteous Judge of all creation. This truth is not abstract but demonstrated through historical events, such as the miraculous deliverance of King Jehoshaphat from his enemies ([[2 Chronicles 20]]), where God's judgment brought victory to His people without them needing to fight. This illustrates that divine judgment can manifest as deliverance and vindication for the faithful.
Secondly, the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" in Joel's prophecy elevates this concept to an eschatological plane. It symbolizes a future, universal day of reckoning when God will gather all nations to render His final verdict. This vision underscores the certainty and universality of divine justice, promising that all wrongs will eventually be made right, and God's perfect righteousness will be fully revealed. It offers both a warning to the wicked and comfort to the righteous, assuring them that God will ultimately vindicate His people and judge those who have opposed Him.
Finally, the name implicitly teaches that true justice and righteous governance ultimately derive from God. Human rulers and judges are merely instruments of His divine will. When they rule righteously, they reflect God's character; when they fail, they invite His judgment. The life of King Jehoshaphat, despite his flaws, stands as a testament to the power and blessing that come from acknowledging and relying upon Yahweh as the supreme Judge.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ), Strong's H3092, is a compound theophoric name meaning "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh judges," derived from `{{H3068}}` (YHWH) and `{{H8199}}` (shâphaṭ). This name is primarily associated with six individuals in the Old Testament, most notably Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, whose reign exemplified reliance on divine judgment and intervention. It also designates the "Valley of Jehoshaphat," a prophetic location in [[Joel 3:2]] and [[Joel 3:12]] where God is foretold to gather the nations for ultimate judgment. The theological significance of יְהוֹשָׁפָט lies in its powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty as the righteous Judge, His active involvement in human history, and the certainty of His final, universal justice. It serves as a profound reminder that all authority and true judgment ultimately reside with Yahweh.
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