Jeshua, also known as Joshua, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, primarily recognized as the successor to Moses and the leader who guided the Israelites into the Promised Land. The name "Jeshua" is a variant of "Joshua," both derived from the Hebrew name "Yehoshua," meaning "The LORD is salvation." This entry focuses on the descendants of Jeshua, highlighting their roles and contributions as recorded in the Scriptures.

Lineage and Descendants

Jeshua, the son of Nun, belonged to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel. While the Bible does not provide an extensive genealogical record of his direct descendants, it does mention individuals and groups associated with his name, particularly in the post-exilic period.

Post-Exilic Period

During the time of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return to Jerusalem, the name Jeshua appears prominently among the leaders and priests. This Jeshua is often identified as Jeshua the son of Jozadak, a high priest who played a crucial role in the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple.

1. Jeshua the High Priest: In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Jeshua is mentioned as a key figure in the return from exile. Ezra 2:2 lists him among the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel: "They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah." Jeshua's leadership was instrumental in re-establishing the religious practices and the priesthood in Jerusalem.

2. Rebuilding the Temple: Jeshua, along with Zerubbabel, is credited with laying the foundation of the Second Temple. Ezra 3:2 states, "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. Covenant Renewal: In Nehemiah 8, Jeshua is among those who helped Ezra the scribe read and explain the Law to the people, leading to a renewal of the covenant. Nehemiah 8:7 mentions, "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."

Symbolic Representation

The figure of Jeshua the high priest also appears in the prophetic visions of Zechariah. In Zechariah 3, Jeshua is depicted standing before the angel of the LORD, symbolizing the purification and restoration of the priesthood. Zechariah 3:8-9 proclaims, "Hear now, O high priest Jeshua, you and your companions seated before you, who are indeed a sign, for behold, I am going to bring My servant, the Branch. See the stone I have set before Jeshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave on it an inscription, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day."

Legacy

The legacy of Jeshua, both as Joshua the son of Nun and Jeshua the high priest, is one of leadership, faithfulness, and dedication to God's covenant. His descendants, particularly those associated with the post-exilic restoration, continued to uphold the spiritual and communal life of Israel, ensuring the continuity of worship and adherence to the Law. Through their efforts, the foundations of Jewish religious life were re-established, paving the way for future generations to maintain their identity and faith.Nehemiah 12:10
And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,
Nave's Topical Index

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
... as Hoshea ( Numbers 13:8), Joshua, and Jeshua (Zechariah 3 ... the sense of being created]:
wherefore also the holy ... begotten [Galatians 4:4] shall be called the Son ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/vi annunciation of the birth.htm

Altar and Temple
... not yet laid.7. They gave money also unto the ... of their ancestral fields before they
were called to leave ... sacrifices in Babylon, and after him his son Jeshua. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... xii.10, 11, 22, furnishes the following names: Jeshua. ... of Syria, its boundaries were
also narrowed. ... the districts comprised within the so-called Decapolis (or ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

Who was the Joshua in Zechariah 3:1-10? | GotQuestions.org

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