Lexical Summary Yoshah: Salvation, deliverance Original Word: יוֹשָׁה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Joshah Probably a form of Yowshavyah; Joshah, an Israelite -- Joshah. see HEBREW Yowshavyah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tushiyyah Definition a Simeonite NASB Translation Joshah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יוֺשָׁה proper name, masculine a Simeonite 1 Chronicles 4:34; ᵐ5 Ιως(ε)ια, A Ιωσιας, ᵐ5L Ιωας. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Context “Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah,” (1 Chronicles 4:34). This single listing places Joshah within a register of chiefs from the tribe of Simeon who lived in the southern hill country of Judah. The surrounding verses (1 Chronicles 4:31-43) trace how these leaders oversaw an expanding population, sought new grazing land, and mounted successful campaigns during the reign of King Hezekiah. Historical Setting within the Tribe of Simeon The Simeonites inherited towns inside Judah’s borders (Joshua 19:1-9), fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy that Simeon would be “scattered” (Genesis 49:7). By the eighth century BC, space was limited, and their herds required fresh pasture. Joshah is named among men who headed the migration “to the entrance of Gedor… to seek pasture for their flocks” (1 Chronicles 4:39). Chronicles records that the land they discovered was “spacious, peaceful, and quiet” (4:40) until they conquered the prior inhabitants. Thus Joshah stands in the narrative as one of the elders responsible for securing a new homeland and preserving tribal identity. Leadership and Military Initiative Verse 38 describes those in Joshah’s list as “leaders in their clans, and their households increased greatly.” The larger passage recounts three decisive actions: reconnaissance of fertile territory, armed engagement against Hamite and Meunite settlers (4:41), and permanent occupation that lasted “to this day.” Joshah therefore represents covenant-faithful leadership—mobilizing resources, protecting families, and stewarding God-given inheritance amid shifting geopolitical realities. Spiritual Significance of the Name Although Scripture gives no biography beyond 1 Chronicles 4:34, the name itself conveys a witness to divine deliverance. Hebrew personal names that invoke salvation remind the reader that victory and settlement come “not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). Joshah’s inclusion in the canonical record magnifies the Lord’s saving activity through otherwise unknown servants. Prophetic and Theological Observations 1. Continuity of Promise: The Simeonite expansion shows that even a tribe chastened by dispersion still benefits from the covenant faithfulness of God (Leviticus 26:44-45). Ministry Applications • Faithful Oversight: Elders today are called, like Joshah, to anticipate needs and lead their people into places of spiritual nourishment (Acts 20:28). Summary Joshah, though mentioned only once, embodies the quiet but vital leadership that advances God’s purposes in history. His presence in 1 Chronicles 4 situates him among Simeonite chiefs who expanded territory, cared for their flocks, and walked in covenant confidence. The record of his name testifies that every act of faithfulness—however briefly noted—serves the larger narrative of divine redemption. Forms and Transliterations וְיוֹשָׁ֖ה ויושה veyoShah wə·yō·wō·šāh wəyōwōšāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:34 HEB: וּמְשׁוֹבָ֣ב וְיַמְלֵ֔ךְ וְיוֹשָׁ֖ה בֶּן־ אֲמַצְיָֽה׃ NAS: and Jamlech and Joshah the son KJV: and Jamlech, and Joshah the son INT: Meshobab and Jamlech and Joshah the son of Amaziah 1 Occurrence |
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