from שׂוּם and אֵל; God will place; Jesimael, an Israelite; Jesimael.
Transliteration:Yᵉshîymâʼêl
Pronunciation:yes-eem-aw-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְשִׁימָאֵל (Yᵉshîymâʼêl), Strong's number `{{H3450}}`, is a proper noun, a personal name. Its etymology reveals a compound structure formed from the Hebrew verb שׂוּם (sum/sim), meaning "to put, place, set, appoint, make," and the divine name אֵל (El), meaning "God." Thus, the name inherently signifies "God will place," or "God will establish/appoint." The future tense or jussive implication within the verbal component suggests a divine action yet to be fully realized, or a declaration of divine intent and certainty. The name speaks to God's sovereign hand in ordaining or positioning an individual within His purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְשִׁימָאֵל (Jesimael) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 12:12]]: "Mahbanai the sixth, Jeremiah the seventh, **Jesimael** the eighth, Johanan the ninth,"
This solitary occurrence places Jesimael within a detailed roster of the "mighty men of valor" who joined David at Ziklag while he was still being pursued by King Saul. These men, specifically the Gadites mentioned here, are described as formidable warriors, "men of might, fit for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains" ([[1 Chronicles 12:8]]). They were also noted for their ability to cross the Jordan River during its flood stage. Jesimael is listed as the eighth among these elite Gadite warriors. The context is purely genealogical and historical, identifying a specific individual within a significant group of early supporters of David's kingship. While the text provides no further biographical details about Jesimael, his inclusion in this esteemed list implies his participation in the foundational moments of David's reign.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of יְשִׁימָאֵל connect it to fundamental theological concepts:
* **שׂוּם (sum/sim) `{{H7760}}`**: This common Hebrew verb carries a broad semantic range related to placement, appointment, and establishment. It is used for God "placing" Adam in the garden ([[Genesis 2:8]]), "setting" a sign ([[Genesis 4:15]]), "appointing" leaders ([[Genesis 41:41]]), and "establishing" covenants or laws ([[Exodus 15:25]]). In the context of a name, it underscores God's active role in determining an individual's position, purpose, or destiny.
* **אֵל (El) `{{H410}}`**: This is a generic term for God, frequently used as a component in Hebrew personal names to express a theological truth about the named individual's relationship with God or God's character. Examples include Ishmael ("God hears" `{{H3458}}`), Israel ("God strives" `{{H3478}}`), and Immanuel ("God with us" `{{H6005}}`). The presence of אֵל in Jesimael firmly grounds the name in divine agency.
The concept of divine providence and ordination is central to the name. It aligns with the biblical understanding that God is sovereign over human affairs, actively placing individuals in specific times, places, and roles to fulfill His purposes. This is seen in the calling of prophets, the anointing of kings, and the raising up of deliverers.
### Theological Significance
Though Jesimael is a minor figure, his name, "God will place/establish," carries significant theological weight. In the context of [[1 Chronicles 12]], the assembly of David's mighty men is presented as divinely orchestrated, a key element in God's plan to establish David's kingdom. The Chronicler frequently emphasizes God's hand in the affairs of Israel, particularly in the lineage and reign of David. The very name Jesimael reinforces this theological perspective: it was God who "placed" or "established" this warrior among David's elite, just as it was God who would "place" David on the throne.
The name serves as a microcosm of the broader biblical theme of divine sovereignty and purpose. It speaks to the belief that individuals are not merely products of chance but are divinely positioned. For the community of faith, such names remind them that God is actively involved in history, raising up and setting down individuals according to His will. It offers a profound sense of security and purpose, knowing that one's life, like Jesimael's, is ultimately "placed" by God. It underscores the idea that even in the seemingly mundane act of listing warriors, a deeper theological truth about God's providential care and active involvement in human history is being conveyed.
### Summary
יְשִׁימָאֵל (Yᵉshîymâʼêl), Strong's number `{{H3450}}`, is a Hebrew proper name meaning "God will place" or "God will establish." Composed of the verb שׂוּם ("to place, set") and the divine name אֵל ("God"), it encapsulates a profound theological truth. This name appears only once in the biblical record, identifying one of the formidable Gadite warriors who joined David at Ziklag, as listed in [[1 Chronicles 12:12]]. While the individual Jesimael remains largely unelaborated, his name serves as a subtle yet powerful declaration of divine providence. It highlights God's active role in positioning individuals within His overarching plan, particularly in the crucial period of David's ascent to kingship. The name thus functions as a theological affirmation that God is the ultimate orchestrator of human lives and historical events, establishing people for His sovereign purposes.
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