Lexical Summary Yoshaphat: Jehoshaphat Original Word: יוֹשָׁפָט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Joshaphat A form of Yhowshaphat; Joshaphat, an Israelite -- Joshaphat. see HEBREW Yhowshaphat NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as Yehoshaphat, q.v. Topical Lexicon Name and signification Joshaphat is a comparatively rare Hebrew name that underscores the certainty of divine judgment. Its two canonical appearances fall within the Chronicler’s record of David’s reign, linking the bearer to both martial valor and sacerdotal worship. Biblical occurrences • 1 Chronicles 11:43 – listed among the elite warriors who rallied to David at Hebron. Joshaphat the Mithnite: a mighty man of valor Within the catalogue of David’s “mighty men” (gibbōrîm), Joshaphat is identified as “the Mithnite.” The designation probably ties him to a town in Judah’s hill country, though its precise location is now lost. His inclusion in this distinguished roll has several implications: 1. He was part of the multi-tribal coalition that legitimized David’s kingship after the long struggle with Saul (1 Chronicles 11:10). Joshaphat the priest: a trumpeter before the Ark Decades after the events at Hebron, another Joshaphat—almost certainly a different individual—participates in the climactic journey of the Ark from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David. 1 Chronicles 15:24 records: “Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nathanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer—the priests—blew the trumpets before the ark of God.” Key points of significance: • Priestly lineage – Only sons of Aaron could blow the silver trumpets prescribed in Numbers 10:1-10. Joshaphat’s service therefore locates him firmly within the priesthood and highlights the Chronicler’s concern for proper Levitical order after the disaster with Uzzah (1 Chronicles 13:9-10; 15:13). • Liturgical leadership – Trumpets announced both victory and worship. By sounding them, Joshaphat helped signal the arrival of the divine Presence in Zion, an event that typologically foreshadows the enthronement of the Messiah in the heavenly Jerusalem (Psalm 110:1-2; Hebrews 12:22-24). • Covenant celebration – His role contributed to a festal scene marked by burnt offerings, fellowship offerings, and communal joy (1 Chronicles 16:1-3), underscoring that true worship is grounded in atonement and shared blessing. Historical synthesis Together, the two men named Joshaphat frame the reign of David: one helps secure the throne, the other helps sanctify it. The juxtaposition testifies that in God’s economy military strength and priestly ministry are complementary, not contradictory. The same kingdom that required courageous warriors also required faithful worship leaders; both were indispensable instruments of God’s unfolding plan. Distinction from Jehoshaphat Joshaphat (H3146) must not be confused with the better-known Jehoshaphat (H3092), the king of Judah or other individuals of that name. Although the root consonants overlap, Scripture treats the two names separately, and their bearers fulfill different roles. Spiritual lessons 1. God raises up varied servants—some for battlefield courage, others for sanctuary service, and sometimes both—to advance His purposes. Thus, though briefly mentioned, Joshaphat’s twin appearances illustrate vital facets of covenant life: steadfast loyalty, ordered worship, and the harmonious pursuit of God’s glory in every sphere of service. Forms and Transliterations וְיֽוֹשָׁפָ֡ט וְיוֹשָׁפָ֖ט ויושפט veyoshaFat wə·yō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ wəyōwōšāp̄āṭLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 11:43 HEB: בֶּֽן־ מַעֲכָ֔ה וְיוֹשָׁפָ֖ט הַמִּתְנִֽי׃ ס KJV: of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite, INT: the son of Maacah and Joshaphat the Mithnite 1 Chronicles 15:24 2 Occurrences |
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