Topical Encyclopedia Ismakiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. His name, Ismakiah, is of Hebrew origin and is often understood to mean "Jehovah sustains" or "Jehovah upholds," reflecting a common practice in ancient Israel of embedding the name of God within personal names to signify divine support or blessing.Biblical Reference: Ismakiah 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, Ismakiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were supervisors under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei by the appointment of King Hezekiah and of Azariah the official in charge of the house of God" . Historical and Religious Context: The mention of Ismakiah occurs during a period of religious reform in Judah. King Hezekiah, noted for his faithfulness to the LORD, initiated a series of reforms aimed at restoring proper worship and adherence to the Mosaic Law. This included the purification of the Temple, the reestablishment of the priestly and Levitical orders, and the reinstitution of the Passover celebration. Ismakiah's role as an overseer suggests that he was entrusted with significant responsibilities in the administration of the Temple's resources and the organization of the Levites. His position under Conaniah and Shimei indicates a hierarchical structure in the management of the Temple affairs, reflecting the importance of order and accountability in the religious life of Judah. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Ismakiah's involvement in Hezekiah's reforms underscores the importance of faithful stewardship and obedience to God's commandments. The reforms led by Hezekiah, with the assistance of officials like Ismakiah, were instrumental in turning the hearts of the people back to God, emphasizing the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Ismakiah's inclusion in the biblical narrative, though brief, highlights the collective effort required to maintain the spiritual integrity of the nation. His service underlines the biblical principle that every role, whether prominent or seemingly minor, contributes to the fulfillment of God's purposes. Legacy: While Ismakiah is not a central figure in the biblical text, his mention serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts necessary for spiritual renewal and reform. His role as an overseer during a pivotal time in Judah's history reflects the broader theme of divine sustenance and the importance of faithful service in the life of God's people. Concordance Ismakiah (1 Occurrence)2 Chronicles 31:13 Thesaurus Ismakiah (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Ismakiah (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth ... /i/ismakiah.htm - 6k Ismaiah (1 Occurrence) Isn't (154 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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