Lexical Summary Yoelah: Yoelah Original Word: יוֹעֵאלָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Joelah Perhaps feminine active participle of ya'al; furthermore; Joelah, an Israelite -- Joelah. see HEBREW ya'al NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yaal Definition "may He avail," one of David's heroes NASB Translation Joelah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יוֺעֵאלָה proper name, masculine (perhaps from *יוֺעֵלָה may he avail!) — one of David's heroes 1 Chronicles 12:8 (Baer; v.1 Chronicles 12:7 van d. H). II. יעל (√ of following; Arabic Topical Lexicon Name Significance Joelah means “Yahweh is God,” a declaration of exclusive devotion to the covenant Lord amid the polytheistic milieu of the Ancient Near East. The name unites personal identity with theological confession, echoing statements such as “Know that the LORD, He is God” (Psalms 100:3). Textual Occurrence Joelah is mentioned once, in the catalogue of warriors who joined David at Ziklag: “...and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham from Gedor” (1 Chronicles 12:8; some translations number the verse 12:7). The Chronicler’s selective roster highlights representative figures whose allegiance advanced God’s kingdom program. Historical Context The setting is the final phase of Saul’s reign, when David, though anointed, was still a fugitive. Ziklag, a Philistine-controlled border town, provided a strategic refuge for Israelites disillusioned with Saul. Those who defected to David were “helpers in war” (1 Chronicles 12:1), whose arrival signified growing recognition of God’s chosen king. Tribal and Family Affiliation Joelah is listed as a son of Jeroham of Gedor. The surrounding verses describe the group as “Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin” (1 Chronicles 12:2), yet Gedor lies in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:58). The overlap illustrates tribal mobility during political turmoil and anticipates the unification of Israel under David. Role among David’s Mighty Men Though no personal exploits are recorded, Joelah belongs to an elite corps noted for ambidextrous archery and slinging (1 Chronicles 12:2). His presence reinforced David’s tactical strength and symbolized the gathering of faithful Israelites around God’s anointed leader. Ministry and Spiritual Themes 1. Loyalty to God’s Promise: Joining David before his coronation modeled faith that acts on divine assurance rather than visible circumstances. Theological Reflections • Remnant Motif: Joelah exemplifies the faithful few whom God preserves to accomplish His purposes (cf. Isaiah 10:20–22). Lessons for Believers – Align early with God’s revealed plan, trusting His eventual vindication. – Recognize that unseen faithfulness contributes to the larger redemptive story. – Bear names—and lives—that declare, “Yahweh is God.” Forms and Transliterations וְיוֹעֵאלָ֧ה ויועאלה veyoeLah wə·yō·w·‘ê·lāh wəyōw‘êlāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 12:8 HEB: וְיוֹעֵאלָ֧ה וּזְבַדְיָ֛ה בְּנֵ֥י INT: Joelah Zebadiah afflicted 1 Occurrence |
    |
eminuit, prominuit; see ascend, Kam Frey).