The Hebrew name Yôwzâkâr, represented by H3108, means Jehovah-remembered. This name is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its significance is tied entirely to the single individual who bears the name and the pivotal event he is involved in.
In the biblical narrative, Yôwzâkâr H3108 is identified as one of two men who brought about the death of a king. The sole mention of his name occurs in 2 Kings 12:21, which states, "For Jozachar H3108 the son H1121 of Shimeath...his servants H5650, smote H5221 him, and he died H4191." This verse establishes his identity through his lineage as a son H1121 and his role as one of the king's servants H5650. His one recorded action is a violent one, participating in a conspiracy that culminates in the king's death.
The single verse describing Yôwzâkâr contains several words with broader biblical importance:
- H1121 bên (a son): Used to establish lineage and identity, as in "the son of Shimeath." The term is foundational to family structure and inheritance throughout scripture Deuteronomy 4:9.
- H5650 ʻebed (a servant): This word describes the position held by Yôwzâkâr. While it can denote a bondman, it is also used to describe a relationship of service to God or a king Isaiah 42:1.
- H5221 nâkâh (to strike): This primitive root describes the action taken by the servants. It is a verb used for striking severely or lightly and can mean to kill, smite, or punish Isaiah 11:4.
- H4191 mûwth (to die): This word describes the outcome of being smitten. It is used both literally and figuratively throughout scripture to signify death as a final consequence or a divine judgment Ezekiel 18:20.
Despite appearing only once, the context surrounding Yôwzâkâr H3108 connects to significant theological ideas.
- Divine Remembrance: The name itself, meaning "Jehovah-remembered," inherently carries theological weight. It suggests that even minor figures in the biblical narrative are within God's notice.
- Servanthood and Action: Jozachar is called a servant H5650, a term often used for those who carry out God's will, such as the prophets Amos 3:7. His act of smiting H5221 echoes other instances where smiting is an instrument of divine judgment Zechariah 13:7.
- Consequence of Death: The resulting death H4191 aligns with the scriptural principle that certain actions lead to a final, often severe, outcome, a theme established as early as Genesis 2:17 where disobedience leads to the certainty of death.
In summary, Yôwzâkâr H3108 provides a focused look at how a single name and event can be rich with meaning. Although confined to one verse, his story is framed by foundational concepts of lineage through the word son H1121, position through the word servant H5650, and grave consequences through the actions of smiting H5221 and dying H4191. The name's meaning, "Jehovah-remembered," suggests a significance that transcends his brief appearance in the historical record.
TRV