### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Yôwʻezer (`{{H3134}}`) is a theophoric name, a compound of two significant elements. The first component is a contracted form of YHWH (`{{H3068}}`), the sacred personal name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered "the LORD." The second component is the noun 'ezer (`{{H5828}}`), meaning "help," "succor," or "aid." Therefore, the name Yôwʻezer literally translates to "YHWH is help" or "Jehovah is help." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific meaning, identifying an individual whose very name proclaims a fundamental truth about the Divine character. The structure of the name itself acts as a miniature confession of faith, testifying to God's active and benevolent support.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yôwʻezer (`{{H3134}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 12:6]]: "Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;" (ESV)
In this passage, Yôwʻezer is listed among the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag. These individuals are described as "mighty men, helpers in war" ([[1 Chronicles 12:1]]), and specifically, the group to which Joezer belongs are "Korahites" (or Korahite Levites), known for their strength and skill in battle, as well as their musical and gatekeeping roles within the tabernacle/temple service. The context is one of transition and struggle for David, who was then a fugitive from King Saul. The arrival of these skilled warriors, including Yôwʻezer, signified a crucial strengthening of David's forces, preparing him for his eventual kingship. The name "YHWH is help" is particularly poignant in this setting, as it underscores the divine hand in David's rise and the providential support he received through these loyal and capable men. Their very presence was an embodiment of the "help" that YHWH provided to His chosen king.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of Yôwʻezer (`{{H3134}}`) connect it to several profound biblical concepts:
* **YHWH (`{{H3068}}`):** The divine name itself signifies God's self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and active presence. The inclusion of YHWH in a name declares the individual's connection to, or the parents' confession concerning, the God of Israel.
* **'Ezer (`{{H5828}}`):** This word for "help" is rich in theological meaning. It describes God's aid to His people (e.g., [[Psalm 33:20]], [[Psalm 121:1-2]]), the "helper" role of the woman in creation (e.g., [[Genesis 2:18]]), and human assistance. When applied to God, it speaks of His powerful, timely, and sufficient intervention. Other theophoric names also incorporate 'ezer, such as Eliezer (`{{H461}}`, "My God is help") and Abiezer (`{{H44}}`, "My father is help").
* **Theophoric Names:** The practice of forming names with divine elements was widespread in ancient Israel. Such names served as confessions of faith, prayers, or declarations about God's character and actions. They often reflected the parents' spiritual outlook or the circumstances of the child's birth. Yôwʻezer stands as a testament to the belief that God is the ultimate source of assistance and strength.
* **Divine Providence and Assistance:** The name implicitly points to the broader biblical theme of God's active involvement in the lives of His people. From the Exodus to the establishment of the monarchy, and throughout the prophets and psalms, God is consistently portrayed as the One who helps, delivers, and sustains.
### Theological Significance
The name Yôwʻezer (`{{H3134}}`) carries significant theological weight, proclaiming a foundational truth about God's character:
* **God as the Ultimate Helper:** The primary theological message is that YHWH is the sole and ultimate source of help. This is not merely human assistance, but divine, sovereign, and unfailing aid. In a world fraught with challenges, the name declares that true succor comes from the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
* **Reliance and Trust in God:** The name serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's dependence on God. It is a confession that in times of need, whether personal, communal, or national (as in David's struggle), God is the one to whom His people turn for strength and deliverance.
* **Confession and Prophecy:** The individual bearing this name, Yôwʻezer, embodies a living confession of faith. His very identity speaks to God's attribute as a helper. For David, his presence among the "helpers in war" was a tangible manifestation of the divine help promised and provided by YHWH.
* **God's Active Involvement in History:** The name underscores God's active, personal involvement in the affairs of humanity and in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. His "help" is not passive but dynamic, shaping events and empowering individuals to fulfill His purposes. This theme culminates in the ultimate divine help provided through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who delivers humanity from sin and death.
### Summary
Yôwʻezer (`{{H3134}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper noun meaning "YHWH is help" or "Jehovah is help." Composed of the divine name YHWH and the word for "help" (`{{H5828}}`), it is a profound theological statement embedded within an individual's identity. Appearing only once in [[1 Chronicles 12:6]], Yôwʻezer is identified as one of the mighty Korahite warriors who joined David at Ziklag, a pivotal moment in David's ascent to kingship. His name, in this context, highlights God's providential aid to David through loyal and capable men. Theologically, Yôwʻezer powerfully affirms God as the ultimate and unfailing source of help, encouraging reliance on His divine assistance and testifying to His active involvement in the lives of His people and in the unfolding of salvation history.
TRV