The Hebrew name Yûwkal, represented by H3116, identifies Jucal, an Israelite. According to its base definition, it is a form of יְהוּכַל. This name is highly specific, appearing just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical record.
The sole appearance of H3116 is in the book of Jeremiah. Jucal is listed among a group of princes, including Shephatiah and Gedaliah, who heard H8085 the words H1697 that the prophet Jeremiah H3414 had spoken H1696 to all the people H5971. His presence in this list establishes him as an official in Jerusalem during a time of great political and spiritual turmoil Jeremiah 38:1.
Several individuals are named alongside Jucal, defining the context of his only appearance:
- H8018 Shelemyâh (Shelemiah): Identified as the father of Jucal, establishing his lineage. Shelemiah was also commanded by the king, along with others, to take the prophet Jeremiah Jeremiah 36:26.
- H8203 Shᵉphaṭyâh (Shephatiah): Another prince who heard Jeremiah's words alongside Jucal, indicating they were part of a collective group of officials Jeremiah 38:1.
- H1436 Gᵉdalyâh (Gedaliah): A fellow prince who also heard Jeremiah's message. He was a significant figure who would later be appointed governor over the cities of Judah by the king of Babylon Jeremiah 40:5.
- H3414 Yirmᵉyâh (Jeremiah): The prophet whose words Jucal and the other princes heard. He was the subject of their opposition, as others had previously conspired against him, saying, "let us not give heed to any of his words" Jeremiah 18:18.
The narrative weight of H3116 is tied directly to the confrontation with God's prophet.
- Opposition to Prophecy: Jucal is part of a coalition of officials who heard Jeremiah's prophecy. This act places him among those who were actively resisting God's message for Judah Jeremiah 38:1.
- Princely Influence: As the son H1121 of Shelemiah H8018 and a peer of other princes like Gedaliah H1436 and Shephatiah H8203, Jucal represents the established leadership that stood against Jeremiah.
- Hearing without Heeding: The verse is clear that Jucal and his associates heard H8085 what Jeremiah had spoken H1696. This detail highlights a theme of deliberate rejection of a divine message.
In summary, H3116 identifies Jucal, a specific Israelite official whose sole biblical mention places him in direct opposition to the prophet Jeremiah. While a minor character, his inclusion in the narrative is significant, illustrating the unified resistance from Judah's leadership against God's prophetic warnings. Jucal's identity is tied permanently to this moment of hearing and rejecting the divine word H1697 during the final days of Jerusalem.
TRV