Joelah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's mighty warriors. He is listed among the valiant men who supported David during his reign, contributing to the establishment and defense of the kingdom of Israel. Joelah's mention is brief, yet it places him among the elite group of warriors who played a significant role in the military successes of David's reign.

Biblical Reference:

Joelah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:7, where he is listed as one of the warriors who joined David at Ziklag. The passage reads: "And Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham from Gedor" . This verse is part of a larger section that details the men who came to David during his time in Ziklag, a period when he was fleeing from King Saul. These men are described as "mighty men of valor" and "helpers in the war" (1 Chronicles 12:1), indicating their prowess and loyalty.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The context of Joelah's mention is significant in understanding the political and military landscape of ancient Israel. During the time of David, the kingdom was in a state of transition. Saul, the first king of Israel, had fallen out of favor with God, and David was anointed as the future king. However, David's path to the throne was fraught with challenges, including Saul's attempts to kill him. It was during this tumultuous period that Joelah, along with other warriors, aligned himself with David.

The gathering of these warriors at Ziklag is a testament to David's growing influence and the recognition of his leadership qualities. These men, including Joelah, were instrumental in the eventual unification of the tribes of Israel under David's rule. Their loyalty and military skill were crucial in the battles that secured David's kingship and expanded the territory of Israel.

Name and Lineage:

Joelah's name, like many in the Bible, carries significance. In Hebrew, Joelah (יוֹעֵלָה) can be understood to mean "Jehovah is able" or "the Lord is willing." This name reflects the theocentric worldview of the Israelites, where names often conveyed a sense of divine purpose or blessing.

Joelah is identified as a son of Jeroham from Gedor. The mention of his lineage and place of origin provides insight into the tribal affiliations and familial connections that were important in ancient Israelite society. Gedor is believed to be a location in the territory of Judah, further linking Joelah to the tribe from which David himself hailed.

Role and Significance:

While Joelah's individual exploits are not detailed in the biblical text, his inclusion in the list of David's warriors underscores his importance. These men were not only fighters but also key supporters of David's claim to the throne. Their loyalty and bravery were vital in the consolidation of David's power and the establishment of a united Israelite kingdom.

Joelah's presence in the biblical narrative, though brief, highlights the collective effort and diverse backgrounds of those who rallied around David. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and faithfulness in achieving God's purposes, as exemplified by the support David received from his mighty men.Joelah

lifting up; profiting; taking away slander

Joelah

(Jehovah helps), son of Jerohoam of Gedor. (1 Chronicles 12:7)

A Benjamite who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:7). JOELAH

jo-e'-la (yo`e'lah, perhaps = yo`elah, "may he avail!"): One of David's recruits at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:7 (Hebrew 8)); a Benjamite or perhaps a Judean (see Curtis, Chronicles, 195).

3132. Yoelah -- "may He avail," one of David's heroes
... 3131, 3132. Yoelah. 3133 . "may He avail," one of David's heroes. Transliteration:
Yoelah Phonetic Spelling: (yo-ay-law') Short Definition: Joelah. ... Joelah. ...
/hebrew/3132.htm - 6kJoelah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JOELAH. ...Joelah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles
12:7 and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor. ...
/j/joelah.htm - 7k

Joe'lah (1 Occurrence)
Joe'lah. Joelah, Joe'lah. Joezer . ... Joe'lah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 12:7
and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of the troop. (See RSV). ...
/j/joe'lah.htm - 6k

Jo'el (19 Occurrences)
Jo'el. Joel, Jo'el. Joelah . Multi-Version Concordance Jo'el (19 Occurrences). ...
(See RSV). Joel, Jo'el. Joelah . Reference Bible.
/j/jo'el.htm - 10k

Zebadi'ah (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 8:17 And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hizki, and Heber; (See RSV).
1 Chronicles 12:7 and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of the troop. ...
/z/zebadi'ah.htm - 8k

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)
... NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 12:7 and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of
Gedor. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles ...
/z/zebadiah.htm - 11k

Jeroham (11 Occurrences)
... NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 12:7 and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of
Gedor. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles ...
/j/jeroham.htm - 12k

Jero'ham (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:7 and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of the troop.
(See RSV). 1 Chronicles 27:22 of Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. ...
/j/jero'ham.htm - 9k

Gedor (7 Occurrences)
... Mikloth. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 12:7
and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor. (WEB ...
/g/gedor.htm - 10k

Troop (28 Occurrences)
... in Damascus. (WEB JPS ASV YLT). 1 Chronicles 12:7 and Joelah, and Zebadiah,
the sons of Jeroham of Gedor. (See JPS). 1 Chronicles ...
/t/troop.htm - 16k

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