Etymology and Meaning:
The name Jesh'ua is a variant of the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means "The LORD is salvation." It is closely related to the name Joshua and is often used interchangeably in the Old Testament.

Biblical References and Context:

1. Jesh'ua the High Priest:
Jesh'ua, also known as Joshua, was the son of Jehozadak and served as the high priest during the time of the return from the Babylonian exile. He played a significant role in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. In the book of Zechariah, Jesh'ua is depicted in a vision where he is cleansed and given new garments, symbolizing the restoration of the priesthood and the forgiveness of sins. Zechariah 3:3-4 states, "Now Jeshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the Angel. So the Angel said to those standing before Him, 'Take off his filthy clothes!' Then He said to Jeshua, 'See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.'"

2. Jesh'ua the Builder:
In the book of Ezra, Jesh'ua is mentioned as one of the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. Ezra 3:2 records, "Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God."

3. Jesh'ua in the Genealogies:
Jesh'ua is also listed in the genealogies of the post-exilic community. In Nehemiah 12:10 , it is noted, "Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim the father of Eliashib, Eliashib the father of Joiada."

4. Jesh'ua the Levite:
Another Jesh'ua is mentioned as a Levite who helped the people understand the Law during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. Nehemiah 8:7 states, "The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places."

Theological Significance:

Jesh'ua's role as a high priest and leader during the return from exile is significant in the history of Israel. His leadership in rebuilding the Temple and restoring worship highlights the themes of redemption and renewal. The cleansing of Jesh'ua in Zechariah's vision is often seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate cleansing from sin through Jesus Christ, whose name in Hebrew is also Yeshua. This connection underscores the continuity of God's plan for salvation throughout the Scriptures.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The period of Jesh'ua's activity was a time of great transition for the Jewish people. After decades of exile in Babylon, the return to Jerusalem marked a new beginning. The rebuilding of the Temple was not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal for the community. Jesh'ua's leadership, alongside Zerubbabel, was crucial in re-establishing the religious practices and identity of the Jewish people in their ancestral land.Jesh'ua (1 Occurrence)

Nehemiah 8:7
Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, even the Levites, caused the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place.
(See RSV)

Jesh'ua (1 Occurrence)
Jesh'ua. Jeshua, Jesh'ua. Jeshuah . Multi-Version Concordance Jesh'ua (1
Occurrence). Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah ...
/j/jesh'ua.htm - 6k

Jeshuah (1 Occurrence)
...jesh'-ua, je-shu'-a (yeshua`, "Yahweh is deliverance" or "opulence"; compare JOSHUA):
(1) the King James Version "Jeshuah," head of the 9th course of priests ...
/j/jeshuah.htm - 9k

Jeshua (30 Occurrences)
...jesh'-ua, je-shu'-a (yeshua`): A place occupied by the children of Judah after their
return from captivity (Nehemiah 11:26), evidently, from the places named ...
/j/jeshua.htm - 21k

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