Jozabad is a name attributed to several individuals in the Old Testament, particularly among the Levites, who played significant roles in the religious and communal life of Israel. The name Jozabad means "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Yahweh has given," reflecting the theocentric nature of Hebrew names. This entry focuses on three notable Levites named Jozabad, each contributing to the spiritual and administrative functions of the Levitical order.

1. Jozabad, the Levite during King David's Reign

Jozabad is first mentioned as one of the Levites who served during the reign of King David. In 1 Chronicles 12:4, Jozabad is listed among the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag while he was still fleeing from King Saul. These men were instrumental in supporting David's rise to power and establishing his kingdom. The text states: "Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty warrior among the thirty and over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite" (1 Chronicles 12:4). Jozabad's inclusion among these valiant warriors highlights his dedication and loyalty to David, which was crucial during a tumultuous period in Israel's history.

2. Jozabad, the Levite during King Hezekiah's Reforms

Another Jozabad appears during the reign of King Hezekiah, a period marked by significant religious reforms aimed at restoring proper worship in Judah. In 2 Chronicles 31:12-13, Jozabad is mentioned as one of the Levites appointed to oversee the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts brought to the temple. The passage reads: "And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers 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" (2 Chronicles 31:12-13). Jozabad's role in managing the temple resources underscores the importance of the Levites in maintaining the spiritual and material well-being of the temple services.

3. Jozabad, the Levite during the Return from Exile

A third Jozabad is noted during the period of the return from Babylonian exile, a time of rebuilding and reestablishing the religious practices of the Jewish people. In Ezra 8:33, Jozabad is mentioned as one of the Levites who assisted in weighing and recording the silver, gold, and vessels brought back to Jerusalem for the temple. The scripture states: "On the fourth day, in the house of our God, we weighed out the silver, gold, and articles into the hands of Meremoth son of Uriah the priest, along with Eleazar son of Phinehas, and the Levites Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui" (Ezra 8:33). This Jozabad's involvement in the careful handling of sacred items reflects the trust placed in the Levites to ensure the integrity and sanctity of temple worship.

Each of these Levites named Jozabad played a vital role in their respective contexts, contributing to the religious and communal life of Israel. Their service highlights the ongoing commitment of the Levitical order to uphold the worship and laws of Yahweh throughout Israel's history.Ezra 10:23
Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.
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Nehemiah 8:7
Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
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Nehemiah 11:16
And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
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