### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yiçmakyâhûw**, represented by `{{H3253}}`, is the name of an Israelite, **Ismachiah**. It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name's meaning, "Jah will sustain," is derived from its components, reflecting a personal declaration of faith in God's provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3253}}` is in [[2 Chronicles 31:13]]. In this passage, **Ismachiah** is named as one of several **overseers** `{{H6496}}` working "under the **hand** `{{H3027}}`" of Cononiah `{{H3562}}` and his **brother** `{{H251}}`, Shimei `{{H8096}}`. This group was responsible for managing temple contributions during the religious reforms of **Hezekiah** `{{H3169}}`, the **king** `{{H4428}}`, and Azariah `{{H5838}}`, the **ruler** `{{H5057}}` of the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **God** `{{H430}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names from his context illuminate his role and the era's spiritual focus:
* `{{H3562}}` **Kôwnanyâhûw** (Jah has sustained): As the chief ruler over the offerings, his name shares the same core theme as Ismachiah's. Cononiah and his brother were responsible for faithfully bringing in the offerings, tithes, and dedicated things [[2 Chronicles 31:12]].
* `{{H3169}}` **Yᵉchizqîyâh** (strengthened of Jah): The king who commanded the work. His name also points to divine strength, and the people trusted his leadership because they believed the LORD was with them to fight their battles [[2 Chronicles 32:8]].
* `{{H6496}}` **pâqîyd** (overseer): This term defines the specific office held by Ismachiah. A **pâqîyd** was a superintendent with civil or religious authority, in this case having oversight of the business of the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` [[Nehemiah 11:22]].
* `{{H3171}}` **Yᵉchîyʼêl** (God will live): Another overseer listed alongside Ismachiah. His name contributes to the theme of God's active presence and vitality during this period of national renewal [[2 Chronicles 31:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3253}}` is found in its meaning and its context.
* **A Name as a Statement:** The name **Ismachiah**, "Jah will sustain," is a personal testimony. It reflects a cultural and spiritual reliance on God's power to uphold His people, a theme reinforced by the names of his superiors, **Cononiah** `{{H3562}}` and **Hezekiah** `{{H3169}}`.
* **Faithful Administration:** Ismachiah’s mention places him as a key participant in the Lord's work. As an **overseer** `{{H6496}}`, his role was vital to the integrity of Hezekiah's reforms, ensuring the sacred contributions were properly managed within the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **God** `{{H430}}`.
* **Communal Service:** He is not mentioned alone but as part of a team of ten overseers. This highlights the biblical principle of corporate service, where many individuals worked together under a unified command structure to accomplish God's purposes [[2 Chronicles 31:13]].
### Summary
In summary, while **Ismachiah** `{{H3253}}` is mentioned only once, his name and role provide a meaningful snapshot of faith in action. The name itself, "Jah will sustain," encapsulates a core theological truth. His inclusion as an **overseer** `{{H6496}}` during the reforms of King **Hezekiah** `{{H3169}}` immortalizes him not as a central figure, but as one of the many individuals whose faithful service was essential to restoring the worship of **God** `{{H430}}` in Israel.
TRV