### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nimshîy**, represented by `{{H5250}}`, means **extricated** and identifies the (grand-)father of Jehu. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The name serves exclusively as a genealogical marker to establish the identity of King Jehu.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5250}}` is used to specify the lineage of Jehu at pivotal moments. The Lord commands the anointing of "Jehu the son of **Nimshi**" to be king over Israel [[1 Kings 19:16]]. Later passages clarify this lineage, identifying Jehu as "the son of Jehoshaphat the son of **Nimshi**," indicating that Nimshi was Jehu's grandfather ([[2 Kings 9:2]], [[2 Kings 9:14]]). The name is also famously associated with Jehu's unique chariot driving style, which was recognized as "the driving of Jehu the son of **Nimshi**; for he driveth furiously" [[2 Kings 9:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Nimshi's name:
* `{{H3058}}` **Yêhûwʼ** (Jehu): The name Nimshi is never mentioned apart from his descendant, Jehu. Jehu was the king anointed to execute God's judgment upon the house of Ahab [[2 Chronicles 22:7]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word, meaning a son as a builder of the family name, is used in every occurrence of `{{H5250}}` to establish the paternal or grand-paternal link between Nimshi and Jehu [[2 Kings 9:2]].
* `{{H4886}}` **mâshach** (anoint): Nimshi's lineage is recorded because Jehu was the one whom "the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab" [[2 Chronicles 22:7]]. The act of anointing signifies a divine selection for a specific purpose.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5250}}` is tied directly to the role of his descendant, Jehu.
* **Genealogical Legitimacy:** The consistent identification of Jehu's ancestry through Nimshi serves to ground his rise to power in a specific, known family line rather than as an unknown usurper. This is particularly important when he "conspired against Joram" [[2 Kings 9:14]].
* **Divine Appointment:** Nimshi's name is recorded as part of a divine command. The instruction to anoint "Jehu the son of Nimshi" places his lineage directly within the scope of God's sovereign plan for Israel [[1 Kings 19:16]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The anointing of a member of Nimshi's family was a prophetic act. Jehu's subsequent actions were the fulfillment of God's word to cut off the house of Ahab, making Nimshi's name part of that prophetic history [[2 Chronicles 22:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5250}}` functions as an essential genealogical anchor in the Old Testament. While Nimshi himself is not an active character in the narrative, his name is preserved to identify and legitimize Jehu, the man God anointed to become king and serve as an instrument of divine judgment. The name illustrates how scripture uses lineage to provide context, authority, and historical grounding for its most significant events and figures.
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