The Hebrew name Yôwzâbâd, represented by H3107, is a form of יְהוֹזָבָד and is used to identify ten different Israelites in the biblical record. The name appears 10 times across 9 unique verses. These individuals appear in various roles, from military leaders to Levites involved in temple service and administration.
Individuals named Yôwzâbâd feature in several distinct contexts. Some were military figures, such as a Gederathite who was a mighty man with David 1 Chronicles 12:4 and two captains of thousands from Manasseh who joined him at Ziklag 1 Chronicles 12:20. The name is frequently associated with Levites in leadership roles, including a chief of the Levites who gave generously for Passover offerings 2 Chronicles 35:9 and another who had oversight of the outward business of the house of God Nehemiah 11:16. Others were responsible for temple administration under King Hezekiah 2 Chronicles 31:13 or were tasked with weighing the sacred vessels after the exile Ezra 8:33.
Several notable figures are mentioned in connection with a Yôwzâbâd:
- H7678 Shabbᵉthay (restful): A Levite who, along with Jozabad, was a chief of the Levites responsible for the outward business of the house of God Nehemiah 11:16. Both also appear in the group that helped the people understand the law Nehemiah 8:7.
- H3442 Yêshûwaʻ (he will save): A Levite named Jozabad is identified as the son of Yêshûwaʻ and was tasked with weighing the treasures of the temple Ezra 8:33.
- H3562 Kôwnanyâhûw (Jah has sustained): During Hezekiah's reign, a Jozabad served as an overseer under the authority of Cononiah 2 Chronicles 31:13. Conaniah and another Jozabad are also listed as chiefs of the Levites during the great Passover 2 Chronicles 35:9.
- H3169 Yᵉchizqîyâh (strengthened of Jah): One Jozabad served as an overseer at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, placing him in the context of the king's religious reforms 2 Chronicles 31:13.
The significance of the individuals named Yôwzâbâd is seen through their specific contributions at pivotal moments in Israel's history.
- Military Alliance: The name is associated with warriors who provided crucial support to David. This includes a mighty man from Gederath 1 Chronicles 12:4 and two captains from Manasseh who defected to him at Ziklag 1 Chronicles 12:20.
- Levitical Administration and Worship: The name appears multiple times in connection with the organization of the Levites. Men named Jozabad served as an overseer of the house of God 2 Chronicles 31:13, a chief of the Levites providing for the Passover 2 Chronicles 35:9, an official in charge of the temple's outward business Nehemiah 11:16, and a teacher of the law to the people Nehemiah 8:7.
- Post-Exilic Renewal: Following the return from Babylon, the name appears among those participating in the reforms under Ezra. One Jozabad, a son of Pashur, and another Jozabad, a Levite, are listed among those who had taken foreign wives (Ezra 10:22, Ezra 10:23).
In summary, Yôwzâbâd H3107 is not the name of a single major figure, but rather a name borne by multiple Israelites who served faithfully in diverse capacities. From the battlefields supporting King David to the temple courts during the reforms of King Hezekiah and the restoration efforts of Nehemiah and Ezra, the name is consistently linked with military leadership and Levitical duty. These accounts illustrate the varied but important roles individuals played in the military and spiritual life of Israel.
TRV