Lexical Summary Yoyaqim: Joiakim Original Word: יוֹיָקִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Joiakim A form of Yhowyaqiym; Jojakim, an Israelite -- Joiakim. Compare Yowqiym. see HEBREW Yhowyaqiym see HEBREW Yowqiym NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as Yehoyaqim, q.v. Topical Lexicon Identity Joiakim is the post-exilic high priest who succeeded Jeshua (Joshua) son of Jozadak and preceded Eliashib. His name appears four times, all in Nehemiah 12, locating him within the restored community at Jerusalem during the early Persian period. Genealogical Setting Nehemiah 12:10 traces a direct priestly line: “Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada”. The verse establishes continuity from the first return under Zerubbabel through several generations, underscoring the legitimacy of the high-priestly office after the exile. Joiakim forms the vital link between the foundational work of Jeshua and the prominent administration of Eliashib during the wall-building generation. Historical Context Jeshua ministered when the altar and Second Temple foundations were laid (Ezra 3). By the time Nehemiah 12 catalogues the priestly heads, the Temple had been completed for decades. Joiakim’s tenure likely spans the late sixth to mid-fifth century BC, overlapping the governorship of Nehemiah and the teaching ministry of Ezra, as noted in Nehemiah 12:26: “These were in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua … and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe”. His era is marked by relative peace under Persian rule, providing stability for worship and covenant renewal. Priestly Administration Nehemiah 12:12 records, “In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families…”, followed by an extensive roster. This census-like list shows that Joiakim supervised the formal organization of twenty-two priestly divisions. Such structured oversight allowed the daily sacrifices, festivals, and maintenance of Temple purity to proceed in orderly fashion, echoing the courses established by David (1 Chronicles 24). Joiakim’s administration thus safeguarded liturgical fidelity between the rebuilding generation and the later reforms. Covenant Continuity The emphasis on “in the days of Joiakim” stresses covenant faithfulness across generations. The post-exilic community, small and vulnerable, needed visible assurance that the Lord’s ordained priesthood remained intact. By recording Joiakim’s name, Scripture demonstrates that even when political power was minimal, spiritual leadership persisted. This continuity anticipates later Messianic expectations that trace priestly and royal lines unbroken toward ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7). Relationship to Ezra and Nehemiah Though Joiakim’s personal actions are not narrated, his contemporaneity with Ezra and Nehemiah implies cooperation in Torah proclamation and civil restoration. The successful dedication of Jerusalem’s wall (Nehemiah 12:27-43) depends on the priestly order already in place, an achievement attributable to Joiakim’s earlier organizational work. Theological Implications 1. God preserves a faithful remnant and ordained leadership even in obscure periods. Lessons for Ministry Today • Faithfulness in routine duties sustains the community of faith for moments of public renewal. Joiakim, though mentioned briefly, embodies steady stewardship at a pivotal juncture in Israel’s post-exilic history, ensuring that worship, teaching, and covenant identity endured for the generations that followed. Forms and Transliterations וְיֽוֹיָקִים֙ ויויקים יֽוֹיָקִ֑ים יֽוֹיָקִ֔ים יוֹיָקִ֥ים יויקים veyoyaKim wə·yō·w·yā·qîm wəyōwyāqîm yō·w·yā·qîm yōwyāqîm yoyaKimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 12:10 HEB: הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־ יֽוֹיָקִ֑ים וְיֽוֹיָקִים֙ הוֹלִ֣יד KJV: begat Joiakim, Joiakim INT: and Jeshua became Joiakim Joiakim the father Nehemiah 12:10 Nehemiah 12:12 Nehemiah 12:26 4 Occurrences |
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