Etymology and Meaning
The name Ishijah, sometimes spelled Ishiah, is of Hebrew origin and is generally understood to mean "Yahweh will lend" or "Yahweh will forget." This name reflects the common practice in ancient Israel of incorporating the divine name into personal names, signifying a relationship or attribute associated with God.

Biblical References
Ishijah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic community. The primary reference to Ishijah is found in the book of Ezra, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Ezra 10:31
In the book of Ezra, Ishijah is listed among those who had taken foreign wives, an action that was against the Mosaic Law and the covenantal identity of Israel. The verse reads: "From the descendants of Harim: Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon." This passage is part of a larger narrative where Ezra, a scribe and leader, calls the people to repentance and to separate themselves from foreign influences that could lead them away from their covenant with God.

Historical and Cultural Context
The return from Babylonian exile was a significant period in Jewish history, marked by efforts to restore religious and social order according to the Law of Moses. The issue of intermarriage with foreign women was a major concern for the leaders, as it was believed to lead to idolatry and a dilution of the distinct identity of the Israelites. Ezra's reforms were aimed at re-establishing the purity of the community and ensuring faithfulness to God's commandments.

Theological Significance
The mention of Ishijah in the context of intermarriage highlights the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to maintain their covenantal relationship with God amidst external influences. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's laws and the need for communal purity in worship and practice. The narrative serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in re-establishing their identity and faithfulness to God.

Lessons and Applications
The account of Ishijah and others in Ezra 10 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith and identity through alliances that are contrary to God's will. It emphasizes the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual integrity and the importance of repentance and reform when one strays from God's commandments. This narrative encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to seek His guidance in all aspects of life.Ishijah

(whom Jehovah lends), a lay Israelite of the Bene-Harim who had married a foreign wife. (Ezra 10:31) (B.C. 459.)

ISHIJAH

i-shi'-ja.

See ISSHIJAH.

3449. Yishshiyyah -- the name of several Israelites
... Word Origin from nashah and Yah Definition the name of several Isr. NASB Word Usage
Isshiah (6), Isshijah (1). Ishiah, Isshiah, Ishijah, Jesiah. ...
/hebrew/3449.htm - 6kIshijah (1 Occurrence)
...ISHIJAH. i-shi'-ja. ...Ishijah (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:31 And of the sons of Harim;
Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, (KJV DBY WBS YLT NIV). ...
/i/ishijah.htm - 6k

Ishma (1 Occurrence)

/i/ishma.htm - 7k

Ishiah (1 Occurrence)

/i/ishiah.htm - 6k

Isshijah (1 Occurrence)
... is-shi'-ja (yishshiyah, "Yah lends"; the King James Version Ishijah): A man of the
household of Harim, named among those who, at Ezra's command, were induced ...
/i/isshijah.htm - 7k

Malchiah (10 Occurrences)
... and Benaiah. (KJV WBS). Ezra 10:31 And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah,
Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, (KJV WBS YLT). Nehemiah 3 ...
/m/malchiah.htm - 10k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus