Isshijah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. His name appears in the context of the post-exilic period, a time when the Israelites were returning from Babylonian captivity and re-establishing their communities in the land of Israel. The name Isshijah is understood to mean "Jehovah will lend" or "Jehovah will forget," reflecting the theophoric nature of many Hebrew names, which often incorporate elements of God's name to convey a sense of divine purpose or blessing.

Biblical Reference:

Isshijah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:23, which is part of a larger genealogical listing that traces the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The passage reads:

"Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak. Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham. These were the heads of the families, chiefs according to their genealogies, and they lived in Jerusalem." (1 Chronicles 8:23-28)

Isshijah is listed among the sons of Jeroham, indicating his place within the broader family structure of the Benjamites. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the continuity of the Israelite tribes and their rightful inheritance in the land, emphasizing the restoration of the community after the exile.

Historical and Theological Context:

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the mention of Isshijah, are significant for several reasons. They provide a historical record that connects the post-exilic community to their ancestral roots, affirming their identity as the people of God. This was particularly important during the time of restoration, as the Israelites sought to re-establish their religious and cultural practices in accordance with the covenantal promises given to their forefathers.

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of figures like Isshijah in the genealogical records underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His people throughout history. Despite the challenges of exile and dispersion, the lineages of the tribes were maintained, demonstrating God's providential care and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In the broader cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, genealogies served not only as historical records but also as a means of establishing legitimacy and authority within the community. The mention of Isshijah and others in these records would have reinforced the social and religious structures necessary for the functioning of the Israelite society.

The genealogies also highlight the importance of family and tribal affiliations in the ancient Near Eastern context. For the Israelites, these connections were integral to their understanding of identity and belonging, both in relation to one another and in their covenant relationship with God.

Conclusion:

While Isshijah is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles reflects the broader themes of continuity, identity, and divine faithfulness that are central to the biblical account. Through these genealogies, the Scriptures affirm the enduring legacy of God's people and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.ISSHIJAH

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 to put away their "strange wives" (Ezra 10:31). Also called "Aseas" (1 Esdras 9:32).

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 - 6kIsshijah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ISSHIJAH. ... Also called "Aseas" (1 Esdras
9:32). Multi-Version Concordance Isshijah (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/isshijah.htm - 7k

Isshi'jah (1 Occurrence)
Isshi'jah. Isshijah, Isshi'jah. Issue . ... Ezra 10:31 And of the sons of Harim:
Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon; (See RSV). ...
/i/isshi'jah.htm - 6k

Isshi'ah (5 Occurrences)
Isshi'ah. Isshiah, Isshi'ah. Isshijah . Multi-Version Concordance Isshi'ah
(5 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Isshiah, Isshi'ah. Isshijah . Reference Bible.
/i/isshi'ah.htm - 7k

Elie'zer (14 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Ezra 10:31 And of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah,
Shimeon; (See RSV). Eliezer, Elie'zer. Elihaba . Reference Bible.
/e/elie'zer.htm - 10k

Malchi'jah (12 Occurrences)
... and Benaiah. (See RSV). Ezra 10:31 And of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah,
Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon; (See RSV). Nehemiah 3 ...
/m/malchi'jah.htm - 9k

Malchijah (15 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). Ezra 10:31 of the sons of Harim: Eliezer,
Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS). ...
/m/malchijah.htm - 14k

Malkijah (13 Occurrences)
... and Benaiah. (See NIV). Ezra 10:31 And of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah,
Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon; (See NIV). Nehemiah 3 ...
/m/malkijah.htm - 10k

Aseas
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASEAS. a-se'-as (Asaias = Isshijah (Ezra 10:31))
A son of Annas, who put away his "strange wife" (1 Esdras 9:32). ...
/a/aseas.htm - 6k

Shim'e-on (1 Occurrence)
... Shim'e-on (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:31 And of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah,
Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon; (See RSV). Shimeon, Shim'e-on. Shimhi . ...
/s/shim'e-on.htm - 6k

Shimeon (1 Occurrence)
... Shimeon (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:31 of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah,
Shemaiah, Shimeon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/shimeon.htm - 7k

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