The Hebrew word Yâshên, represented by H3464, is a proper name identifying Jashen, an Israelite. This name appears only one time in a single verse within the entire biblical text. Its sole purpose is to establish the identity of an individual by referencing his father.
The single biblical appearance of H3464 is in a list of King David's mighty men. In this record, the name is used to identify the father of at least one of these honored warriors. The text reads, "of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan" 2 Samuel 23:32, placing Jashen's lineage within this distinguished group. The name itself is not associated with any actions but serves as an ancestral marker.
Several related words appear in the same verse, providing context for Jashen's mention:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is central to the mention of H3464, as the text specifically refers to the "sons of Jashen" 2 Samuel 23:32. It establishes Jashen's role as a father.
- H455 ʼElyachbâʼ (God will hide; Eljachba, an Israelite; Eliahbah): This is the name of another of David's mighty men, listed immediately prior to the mention of Jashen's sons 2 Samuel 23:32.
- H8170 Shaʻalbônîy (a Shaalbonite or inhabitant of Shaalbin; Shaalbonite): This term describes Eliahba's origin, indicating he was from Shaalbin 2 Samuel 23:32.
- H3083 Yᵉhôwnâthân (Jehovah-given; Jehonathan... Jonathan): The name Jonathan appears in the list immediately following the phrase "sons of Jashen," identifying one of the individuals associated with this lineage 2 Samuel 23:32.
The significance of H3464 is entirely derived from its context within the biblical record. It has no direct theological weight but illustrates an important cultural and historical principle.
- Ancestral Honor: Jashen's name is preserved in scripture solely because his descendants were counted among David's mighty men. This highlights the honor bestowed upon a father through the accomplishments of his sons 2 Samuel 23:32.
- Importance of Lineage: The use of the phrase "sons of Jashen" underscores the biblical practice of identifying individuals through their parentage, reinforcing the value placed on family lines and heritage.
In summary, H3464 Yâshên is a name that appears once in the Old Testament. It functions exclusively as a genealogical marker to identify the father of warriors in David's service. While the man Jashen is otherwise unknown, his name is recorded in perpetuity due to the honorable position held by his sons, demonstrating how lineage was a key component of identity and recognition in ancient Israel.
TRV