Jehoiarib is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known primarily as the head of one of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David. His name, Jehoiarib, means "Yahweh contends" or "Yahweh pleads," reflecting a theologically rich understanding of God's active role in the affairs of His people.

Biblical References and Role:

Jehoiarib is first mentioned in the context of the priestly divisions in 1 Chronicles 24:7: "The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah." This passage outlines the organization of the priestly service, a system instituted by David to ensure the orderly and continuous worship in the Temple. Each division was responsible for ministering in the Temple for a week at a time, twice a year, as well as during major festivals.

The division of Jehoiarib held a place of prominence, being the first of the twenty-four courses. This position underscores the importance of Jehoiarib's lineage in the religious life of Israel. The division's duties would have included offering sacrifices, maintaining the sacred space, and leading the people in worship.

Historical and Theological Context:

The establishment of the priestly divisions is a testament to the organizational and spiritual reforms initiated by David, which were later solidified under Solomon with the construction of the Temple. The division of Jehoiarib, like the others, played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual health of the nation by ensuring that the worship of Yahweh was conducted according to divine ordinance.

Theologically, the priestly divisions, including that of Jehoiarib, highlight the importance of order, continuity, and dedication in worship. They also reflect the broader biblical theme of God's covenantal relationship with Israel, wherein the priesthood serves as a mediator between God and His people.

Post-Exilic Period:

After the Babylonian exile, the priestly divisions were reestablished as part of the restoration of Temple worship. In Nehemiah 12:6, Jehoiarib is mentioned among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua: "Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah, Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah." This inclusion signifies the continuity of the priestly line and the enduring legacy of Jehoiarib's division in the post-exilic community.

Legacy:

The division of Jehoiarib, as the first of the priestly courses, symbolizes the enduring commitment to the worship of Yahweh and the centrality of the Temple in Jewish life. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithful service and the role of the priesthood in guiding the spiritual life of the nation. Through the division of Jehoiarib, the biblical narrative underscores the themes of divine order, covenant faithfulness, and the perpetual call to worship the one true God.Jehoiarib

fighting, or multiplying, of the Lord

Jehoiarib

(whom Jehovah defends), head of the first of the twenty-four courses of priests. (1 Chronicles 24:7)

Jehovah defends, a priest at Jerusalem, head of one of the sacerdotal courses (1 Chronicles 9:10; 24:7). His "course" went up from Babylon after the Exile (Ezra 2:36-39; Nehemiah 7:39-42). JEHOIARIB

je-hoi'-a-rib (yehoyaribh, "Yahweh pleads" or "contends"): A priest in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 9:10); the name occurs again in 1 Chronicles 24:7 as the name of a family among. the 24 courses of priests = the family Joiarib (yoyaribh, same meaning as above, Nehemiah 1:2, 6), the head of which is Matrenai in Nehemiah 12:19. In Nehemiah 11:10 we should probably read "Jedaiah and Joiarib" for "Jedaiah the son of Joiarib" (compare 1 Chronicles 9:10). Jehoiarib = Joarib in 1 Maccabees 2:1.

3080. Yehoyarib -- "the LORD contends," two Israelites, also a ...
... Word Origin from Yhvh and rib Definition "the LORD contends," two Isr., also a priestly
family NASB Word Usage Jehoiarib (2), Joiarib (5). Jehoiarib. ...
/hebrew/3080.htm - 6k

Appendix vii. On the Date of the Nativity of Our Lord
... a we have the notice, with which that of Josephus agrees (War vi.4.1.5), that at
the time of the destruction of the Temple the course of Jehoiarib,' which was ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix vii on the date.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... evidently a play upon Makkabey] - (masar beitha) He hath given up the Temple to
the enemies.' Rabbi Berachjah saith: Yah heribh [Jehoiarib], God contended with ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

Jehoiarib (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JEHOIARIB. ...Jehoiarib = Joarib in 1 Maccabees
2:1. Multi-Version Concordance Jehoiarib (2 Occurrences). ...
/j/jehoiarib.htm - 8k

Jehoi'arib (2 Occurrences)
Jehoi'arib. Jehoiarib, Jehoi'arib. Jehonadab . ... Jehoi'arib (2 Occurrences). 1
Chronicles 9:10 And of the priests: Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin; (See RSV ...
/j/jehoi'arib.htm - 6k

Joiarib (5 Occurrences)
... (whom Jehovah defends) = Jehoiarib. ... joi'-a-rib (yoyaribh, "Yahweh pleads" or "contends";
compare JEHOIARIB): (1) A "teacher" of Ezra's time (Ezra 8:16). ...
/j/joiarib.htm - 8k

Jedaiah (13 Occurrences)
... NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 9:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, Jachin,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles ...
/j/jedaiah.htm - 11k

Jedai'ah (13 Occurrences)
... Shemaiah; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 9:10 And of the priests: Jedaiah, and
Jehoiarib, and Jachin; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 24:7 Now the ...
/j/jedai'ah.htm - 9k

Jachin (8 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). 1 Chronicles 9:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah,
and Jehoiarib, Jachin, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/j/jachin.htm - 12k

Joarib
... of the 24 courses of priests in the reign of David. Varieties of the name
are Jarib, Joarib, and Jehoiarib (1 Chronicles 24:7). ...
/j/joarib.htm - 6k

Jehoiakim's (3 Occurrences)

/j/jehoiakim's.htm - 7k

Jakin (8 Occurrences)
... called its name Boaz. (See NIV). 1 Chronicles 9:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah,
and Jehoiarib, Jachin, (See NIV). 1 Chronicles 24:17 the ...
/j/jakin.htm - 8k

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