Topical Encyclopedia Ismachi'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. His name, Ismachi'ah, is of Hebrew origin and can be understood to mean "Jehovah sustains" or "Yahweh upholds," reflecting a common practice in Hebrew culture of embedding theological significance within personal names.Biblical Reference: Ismachi'ah is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 31:13, where he is identified as one of the overseers appointed by King Hezekiah. The passage reads: "Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were supervisors under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei by the appointment of King Hezekiah and Azariah the official in charge of the house of God" . Historical and Religious Context: During the reign of Hezekiah, a significant religious reform took place in Judah. Hezekiah, known for his devotion to the LORD, sought to restore proper worship and adherence to the Mosaic Law. This included the purification of the Temple, the reestablishment of the priestly and Levitical duties, and the reinstitution of the Passover celebration. In this context, Ismachi'ah was appointed as one of the overseers responsible for the distribution of contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts to ensure that the priests and Levites could carry out their duties effectively. Role and Responsibilities: Ismachi'ah's role as an overseer was crucial in the administration of the Temple's resources. The reforms initiated by Hezekiah required meticulous organization and faithful stewardship to ensure that the religious practices were conducted according to the Law. As an overseer, Ismachi'ah would have been responsible for managing the logistics of these distributions, working under the leadership of Conaniah and Shimei, who were appointed by the king himself. Theological Significance: The mention of Ismachi'ah, though brief, highlights the importance of faithful service and stewardship in the biblical narrative. His role underscores the collaborative effort required to maintain the spiritual integrity of the nation of Judah during a time of significant religious renewal. The appointment of trustworthy individuals like Ismachi'ah reflects the biblical principle that leadership and responsibility in the community of faith are to be entrusted to those who are reliable and committed to the LORD's purposes. Legacy: While Ismachi'ah is not a prominent figure in the biblical text, his inclusion in the list of overseers serves as a testament to the collective efforts of many individuals who contributed to the spiritual revival under King Hezekiah. His service is a reminder of the often-unsung heroes in the biblical narrative who played vital roles in the unfolding of God's redemptive history. Concordance Ismachi'ah (1 Occurrence)2 Chronicles 31:13 Thesaurus Ismachi'ah (1 Occurrence)Ismachi'ah. Ismachiah, Ismachi'ah. Ismael . Multi-Version Concordance Ismachi'ah (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and ... /i/ismachi'ah.htm - 6k Ismachiah (1 Occurrence) Ismael Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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