### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H3108}}` (Yôwzâkâr) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is a compound word derived from two components:
1. **יוֹ (Yô-)**: A shortened form of the divine name יְהֹוָה (YHWH), often transliterated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." This prefix indicates a connection to the God of Israel.
2. **זָכַר (zâkar)**: The verb `{{H2142}}`, meaning "to remember," "to call to mind," "to be mindful of," or "to mention."
Therefore, the name `{{H3108}}` fundamentally means "Yahweh remembers" or "Jehovah has remembered." As a proper name, its semantic range is fixed to this etymological meaning and the specific individual who bore it. It is a declarative statement about God's character and action, affirming His faithfulness and cognitive engagement with His creation and covenant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3108}}` (Jozachar) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the account of the assassination of King Joash of Judah:
* [[2 Kings 12:21]]: "For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead."
This verse describes Jozachar as one of the two conspirators responsible for the murder of King Joash. The parallel account in [[2 Chronicles 24:26]] identifies the same individual by a different name, Zabad: "And the conspiracy against him was these; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess." It is widely accepted among scholars that `{{H3108}}` (Jozachar) in 2 Kings and `{{H2067}}` (Zabad) in 2 Chronicles refer to the same person. The difference in names may be due to scribal variation, an alternative name, or a textual corruption. Regardless, the individual's identity and his role in the regicide remain consistent across both narratives.
The context is one of rebellion and treachery against the king. Joash, who had initially done what was right in the eyes of the Lord under the tutelage of Jehoiada the priest, later strayed from God's ways after Jehoiada's death ([[2 Chronicles 24:17-19]]). His reign ended tragically with his assassination by his own servants. Jozachar, bearing a name that declares God's remembrance, participated in this act of violence and disloyalty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H3108}}` naturally leads to several related linguistic and theological concepts:
* **YHWH (יְהֹוָה)**: The divine name itself, central to Israelite theology. Its presence in `{{H3108}}` underscores the belief that God is active and personal, not a distant deity.
* **Zakar (זָכַר, `{{H2142}}`)**: The verb "to remember" is profoundly significant in biblical theology. God's remembrance is not merely cognitive recall but often implies active intervention on behalf of His covenant, His people, or His promises (e.g., God remembered Noah, [[Genesis 8:1]]; God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, [[Exodus 2:24]]; God remembers His steadfast love, [[Psalm 98:3]]). Conversely, human remembrance is often a call to recall God's deeds and commandments (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 8:2]], [[Psalm 105:5]]).
* **Theophoric Names**: Many biblical names incorporate divine elements, reflecting the pervasive religious worldview of ancient Israel. Examples include Elijah ("My God is Yahweh"), Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), and Jehozabad ("Yahweh has bestowed"). These names often served as declarations of faith or hope.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency**: The narrative involving Jozachar raises questions about the interplay between God's ultimate control and human responsibility. While God's plan unfolds, individuals are held accountable for their choices.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3108}}` (Jozachar) is multi-layered, especially considering the actions of the individual bearing the name:
1. **Irony of the Name**: The most striking aspect is the profound irony inherent in "Jozachar" ("Yahweh remembers") being the name of a regicide. While the name declares God's faithfulness and remembrance, the individual's actions are deeply unfaithful and rebellious against God's appointed king. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between a name's aspirational meaning and the reality of human sin. Does God "remember" Jozachar's act of rebellion? Indeed, the biblical record ensures that this act is remembered for posterity.
2. **God's Remembrance in Judgment and Justice**: While God's remembrance is often associated with covenant faithfulness and salvation, it also applies to His remembrance of sin and injustice, leading to judgment. The fact that Jozachar's name means "Yahweh remembers" could serve as a grim reminder that God is fully aware of all human deeds, both good and evil, and that justice will ultimately prevail, even if seemingly delayed.
3. **The Persistence of God's Character**: Despite human failings and acts of violence, the name itself stands as a testament to God's enduring character. "Yahweh remembers" remains true, regardless of whether the bearer of the name lives up to its theological implications. God's attributes are immutable, even when human actions are mutable and sinful.
4. **A Warning Against Hypocrisy**: The name could implicitly serve as a warning against living a life contrary to the divine truth one professes or is named after. Bearing a name that speaks of God's remembrance does not grant immunity from the consequences of one's actions, nor does it necessarily imply divine favor for those actions.
### Summary
`{{H3108}}` (Yôwzâkâr), transliterated as Jozachar, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Yahweh remembers" or "Jehovah has remembered." This theophoric name combines the divine name YHWH with the verb `{{H2142}}` (zakar), "to remember." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[2 Kings 12:21]], where Jozachar, the son of Shimeath, is identified as one of the two servants who conspired to assassinate King Joash of Judah. The parallel account in [[2 Chronicles 24:26]] refers to him as Zabad, the son of Shimeath. The theological significance of Jozachar's name is marked by profound irony, as a name declaring God's remembrance is borne by an individual engaged in an act of treachery. This highlights God's comprehensive awareness of human deeds, His ultimate justice, and the enduring truth of His character despite human sin and rebellion. The name serves as a reminder that God remembers all things, both covenant faithfulness and human transgression.
TRV