Ishma
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Introduction:
Ishma is a lesser-known biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. His name appears in the context of the descendants of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Ishma" is believed to mean "he will hear" or "God will hear," reflecting a common theme in Hebrew names that emphasize divine attention or response.

Biblical References:
Ishma is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:17, within the genealogical listings that trace the lineage of the tribe of Judah. The passage reads: "The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa" . Ishma is listed as one of the descendants, though the text does not provide extensive details about his life or deeds.

Genealogical Context:
The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the historical and familial connections among the tribes of Israel. Ishma's inclusion in these records underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. The tribe of Judah, from which Ishma descends, holds significant prominence in Israel's history, being the tribe of King David and, ultimately, the lineage through which Jesus Christ is born, as outlined in the New Testament.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
While Ishma himself is not a central figure in biblical accounts, his mention contributes to the broader tapestry of Israel's history. The genealogies in Chronicles are not merely lists of names but are intended to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with His people. Each name, including Ishma's, represents a link in the chain of God's unfolding plan for Israel and, by extension, for humanity.

Theological Implications:
The presence of Ishma in the genealogical records highlights the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises. Even those who are not prominent figures in the biblical narrative are part of God's redemptive history. This reflects the belief that every individual, regardless of their prominence, has a role in God's divine plan.

Conclusion:
Ishma's mention in the Bible, though brief, serves as a reminder of the intricate and interconnected nature of biblical history. His inclusion in the genealogies of Judah underscores the importance of heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises through the generations.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Ishma

named; marveling; desolation

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Ishma

(desolation), a name in the genealogy of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:3)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ISHMA

ish'-ma (yishma', from the root yasham, "to lie waste," therefore meaning "desolate"): A brother of Jezreel and Idbash, "the sons of the father of Etam" (1 Chronicles 4:3). They were brothers of Hazzelelponi.

Strong's Hebrew
3457. Yishma -- "desolate," a man of Judah
... 3456, 3457. Yishma. 3458 . "desolate," a man of Judah. Transliteration:
Yishma Phonetic Spelling: (yish-maw') Short Definition: Ishma. ...
/hebrew/3457.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Ishma (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ISHMA. ish'-ma (yishma ... Hazzelelponi.
Multi-Version Concordance Ishma (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/i/ishma.htm - 7k

Ishma'iah (2 Occurrences)
Ishma'iah. Ishmaiah, Ishma'iah. Ishmeelite . Multi-Version
Concordance Ishma'iah (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 12:4 ...
/i/ishma'iah.htm - 6k

Ishijah (1 Occurrence)

/i/ishijah.htm - 6k

Idbash (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 4:3 These were the sons of the father of Etam: Jezreel, and Ishma,
and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE ...
/i/idbash.htm - 7k

Ishmaiah (2 Occurrences)

/i/ishmaiah.htm - 8k

Ishmeelite (2 Occurrences)

/i/ishmeelite.htm - 6k

Etam (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:3 These were the sons of the father of Etam: Jezreel, and Ishma,
and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE ...
/e/etam.htm - 11k

Hazzelelponi (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 4:3 These were the sons of the father of Etam: Jezreel, and Ishma,
and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi; (WEB ASV BBE YLT NAS ...
/h/hazzelelponi.htm - 7k

Hazzelelpo'ni (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 4:3 And these were the sons of the father of Etam: Jezreel, and Ishma,
and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazlelponi; (See RSV). ...
/h/hazzelelpo'ni.htm - 6k

Hazelelponi (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 4:3 And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and
Idbash: and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi: (KJV WBS). ...
/h/hazelelponi.htm - 6k

Resources
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Ishijah: One of the Sons of Harim
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