Lexical Summary Yushab Chesed: Yushab Chesed Original Word: יוּשַׁב חֶסֶד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jushab-hesed From shuwb and checed; kindness will be returned; Jushab-Chesed, an Israelite -- Jushab-hesed. see HEBREW shuwb see HEBREW checed NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shub and chesed Definition a son of Zerubbabel NASB Translation Jushab-hesed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יוּשַׁב חֶ֖סֶד proper name, masculine son of Zerubbabel, 1 Chronicles 3:20; Αροβασουκ, ᵐ5L Ιωσαβεε. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning The compound name יושׁב־חֶסֶד (Jushab-hesed) evokes the idea of “returning kindness” or “restored mercy.” In Scripture, names containing חֶסֶד draw attention to the steadfast, covenantal love of the LORD, celebrated throughout Psalms (for example, Psalm 136) and prophetically linked to His redemptive purposes. The inclusion of such a name in the royal line testifies to divine loyalty experienced anew after exile. Genealogical Placement Jushab-hesed appears once, in 1 Chronicles 3:20, as the youngest of five sons born to Zerubbabel: “and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed—five.” Through Zerubbabel, the post-exilic governor of Judah, the Davidic dynasty continued, preserving the legal ancestry that culminates in Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:12–13; Luke 3:27). Jushab-hesed therefore belongs to the crucial generational link joining pre-exilic royalty with New Testament fulfillment. Historical Setting The birth of Zerubbabel’s children, likely in the early Persian period, occurred amid national restoration. Jerusalem’s temple was being rebuilt (Ezra 3; Haggai 2), and prophetic voices such as Haggai and Zechariah proclaimed renewed hope. The naming of a son “Jushab-hesed” during this era of fragile beginnings embodies confidence that the LORD’s loyal love had returned to Zion (Zechariah 1:16). Every descendant listed in 1 Chronicles 3 provides tangible evidence that God kept His promise that “the scepter shall not depart from Judah” (Genesis 49:10). Theological Themes 1. Covenant Mercy Preserved The exile could have signaled the end of the Davidic line, yet the presence of Jushab-hesed in post-exilic records proclaims that divine mercy endures beyond judgment (Lamentations 3:22–23). 2. Messianic Continuity Genealogies assure readers that the promised “Branch” (Jeremiah 23:5) would arise from David. Zerubbabel served as a type; his sons, including Jushab-hesed, sustain anticipation of the greater Son of David who would embody perfect חֶסֶד (John 1:14). 3. Generational Faithfulness Chronicles, compiled for a restored community, underscores family lines to demonstrate that obedience and faith can span generations. The appearance of a son named “Returned Mercy” encourages parents to view child-raising within God’s unfolding covenant account (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Ministry Reflections • Celebrate Continuity: Like Jushab-hesed, believers today stand as living proof of God’s unbroken promises. Tracing spiritual heritage fosters gratitude and confidence in future grace (2 Timothy 1:5). • Name Theology: Consider how words spoken over children—whether literal names or prayers—can testify to God’s character. “Jushab-hesed” models confessional naming that shapes identity around divine mercy (Psalm 103:17-18). • Hope after Discipline: Post-exilic families who named a child “Returned Mercy” remind congregations that chastening is never God’s last word; restoration follows repentance (Hebrews 12:10-11). Related Passages for Further Study Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 136; Isaiah 54:7-10; Jeremiah 33:14-26; Haggai 2:20-23; Matthew 1:12-13; Luke 1:54-55. Forms and Transliterations חֶ֖סֶד חסד Chesed ḥe·seḏ ḥeseḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 3:20 HEB: וַֽחֲסַדְיָ֛ה י֥וּשַׁב חֶ֖סֶד חָמֵֽשׁ׃ NAS: Hasadiah and Jushab-hesed, five. KJV: and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five. INT: Berechiah Hasadiah and Jushab-hesed five |
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