Josabad is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, known for his role as a warrior and his association with King David. His name, which can be translated as "Yahweh has bestowed," reflects the theocentric nature of Hebrew names, emphasizing the belief in divine providence and blessing.

1. Josabad the Gederathite

Josabad is first mentioned in the context of King David's mighty warriors, a group of valiant men who played a crucial role in establishing and securing David's kingdom. In 1 Chronicles 12:4, Josabad is listed among the warriors who joined David at Ziklag while he was still fleeing from King Saul. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty warrior among the thirty and a leader over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite." This passage highlights Josabad's valor and his commitment to David during a tumultuous period in Israel's history.

2. Josabad the Levite

Another individual named Josabad appears in the context of the religious reforms under King Hezekiah. In 2 Chronicles 31:13, Josabad is mentioned as one of the Levites appointed to oversee the distribution of offerings in the temple: "Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were supervisors under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei by the appointment of King Hezekiah and Azariah the official in charge of the house of God." This Josabad played a significant role in ensuring the proper administration of temple resources, reflecting the importance of Levitical service in maintaining the spiritual life of the nation.

3. Josabad the Benjamite

In the book of Nehemiah, a Josabad is mentioned among the Benjamites who returned to Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 11:7-9 lists him as part of the community that resettled in the city: "From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah, and his followers Gabbai and Sallai—928 men. Joel son of Zichri was the officer over them, and Judah son of Hassenuah was over the city’s second district." This Josabad's inclusion in the list underscores the restoration efforts and the reestablishment of Jerusalem as a center of Jewish life and worship.

4. Josabad the Conspirator

A more somber mention of a Josabad occurs in 2 Kings 12:21, where he is identified as one of the conspirators who assassinated King Joash of Judah: "His servants conspired against him and killed Joash at Beth-millo, on the road that goes down to Silla. The servants who conspired against him were Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer." This act of regicide highlights the political instability and internal strife that plagued the kingdom of Judah during this period.

Significance

The various individuals named Josabad in the Bible illustrate the diverse roles played by those who bore this name, from warriors and temple officials to conspirators. Each mention of Josabad provides insight into the historical and religious context of ancient Israel, reflecting the complexities of leadership, worship, and governance in biblical times.Josabad

having a dowry

Josabad

(whom Jehovah bestows), properly JOZABAD the Gederathite, one of the warriors of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:4) (B.C. 1055.)

JOSABAD

jos'-a-bad.

See JOZABAD.

3107. Yozabad -- Josabad, Jozabad
... 3106, 3107. Yozabad. 3108 . Josabad, Jozabad. Transliteration: Yozabad Phonetic
Spelling: (yo-zaw-bawd') Short Definition: Jozabad. ... Josabad, Jozabad. ...
/hebrew/3107.htm - 6kJosabad (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOSABAD. jos'-a-bad. See JOZABAD.
Multi-Version Concordance Josabad (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/j/josabad.htm - 6k

Jorkoam (1 Occurrence)

/j/jorkoam.htm - 6k

Joha'nan (25 Occurrences)
... 12:4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty one among the thirty, and over the thirty,
and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite. ...
/j/joha'nan.htm - 13k

Jaha'ziel (6 Occurrences)
... 12:4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty one among the thirty, and over the thirty,
and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite. ...
/j/jaha'ziel.htm - 7k

Josabdus

/j/josabdus.htm - 6k

Jozabad (10 Occurrences)
... 7; Nehemiah 11:16. The name in 1 Esdras 8:63 (= Ezra 8:33) is "Josabdus"
(the King James Version "Josabad"). (6) A priest who had ...
/j/jozabad.htm - 11k

Gederathite (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary An epithet applied to Josabad, one of David's warriors
at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:4), a native of Gederah. Int. ...
/g/gederathite.htm - 7k

Ismaiah (1 Occurrence)
... 12:4 And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty;
and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite, (KJV ...
/i/ismaiah.htm - 6k

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