Etymology and Meaning
The name Tobijah (Hebrew: טוֹבִיָּה, Toviyyah) means "Yahweh is good" or "The goodness of Yahweh." This name reflects a common practice in ancient Israel of incorporating the name of God (Yahweh) into personal names, signifying a relationship or attribute associated with God.

Biblical References
Tobijah is a name that appears in the Old Testament, associated with different individuals. The most notable mention of a similar name, Tobiah, is found in the Book of Nehemiah, although Tobijah itself is less frequently mentioned.

1. Tobijah, the Levite
In 2 Chronicles 17:8, Tobijah is listed among the Levites whom King Jehoshaphat sent to teach in the cities of Judah. The passage states: "With them were certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah—and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests." This Tobijah was part of a group tasked with instructing the people in the Law of the Lord, highlighting the importance of religious education and adherence to God's commandments during Jehoshaphat's reign.

2. Tobijah, the Prince
In Zechariah 6:10, Tobijah is mentioned as one of the exiles who returned from Babylon. The verse reads: "Take silver and gold from the exiles—Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon—and go that same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah." This Tobijah was involved in the symbolic crowning of Joshua the high priest, an act that foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah, who would be both king and priest.

Historical and Theological Context
The name Tobijah, like many biblical names, carries theological significance. It reflects the belief in the goodness and providence of Yahweh, a central theme in the Hebrew Scriptures. The individuals named Tobijah were associated with religious duties and the restoration of Israel, emphasizing the role of faithful leadership and divine guidance in the life of the nation.

The mention of Tobijah in the context of the return from exile and the teaching of the Law underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the hope for a restored relationship with God. The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, symbolizing both physical and spiritual renewal.

Cultural and Religious Significance
In the broader cultural and religious landscape of ancient Israel, names like Tobijah served as constant reminders of God's character and promises. They were not merely identifiers but declarations of faith and identity. The Levites, including Tobijah, played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual health of the nation by teaching the Law and leading worship.

The involvement of Tobijah in the prophetic actions of Zechariah highlights the interconnectedness of prophecy, leadership, and the anticipation of the Messiah. These narratives contribute to the overarching biblical theme of redemption and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion
While the name Tobijah itself does not appear frequently in the biblical text, the individuals who bore this name were part of significant religious and historical events. Their roles in teaching the Law and participating in prophetic acts reflect the enduring themes of divine goodness, covenant faithfulness, and the hope of redemption that permeate the Scriptures.Tobijah

(goodness of Jehovah).

1. One of the Levites sent by Jehoshaphat, to teach the law in the cities of Judah. (2 Chronicles 17:8) (B.C. 910.)
2. One of the captivity in the time of Zechariah, in whose presence the prophet ,as commanded to take crowns of silver and gold and put them on the head of Joshua the high priest. (Zechariah 6:10,14) (B.C 519.)

Id., a Levite sent out through Judah by Jehoshaphat to teach the people (2 Chronicles 17:8). TOBIJAH

to-bi'-ja (Tobhiyah, "Yahweh is good"):

(1) A Levite in the reign of Jehoshaphat whom the king sent to teach in the cities of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:8; Tobhiyahu; the Septuagint omits).

(2) One of a party of Jews that came from Babylon to Jerusalem with gold and silver for a crown for Zerubbabel and Joshua, or for Zerubbabel alone (Zechariah 6:10, 14). The crown was to be stored in the temple in remembrance of the donors (the Septuagint in both passages translates Tobiyah by chresimoi, i.e. Tobheyha).

2900. Tobiyyahu -- "Yah is my good," three Israelites, also an ...
... Word Origin from tob and Yah Definition "Yah is my good," three Isr., also an Ammonite
NASB Word Usage Tobiah (13), Tobiah's (2), Tobijah (3). Tobiah, Tobijah. ...
/hebrew/2900.htm - 6k

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asabel,
and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... in the roof of the porch, and by them the young priests mounted, to look at the
crowns, as it is written: "And crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

Tobijah (17 Occurrences)
... 17:8). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TOBIJAH. to-bi ... ie Tobheyha).
Multi-Version Concordance Tobijah (17 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles ...
/t/tobijah.htm - 12k

Tobi'jah (3 Occurrences)
Tobi'jah. Tobijah, Tobi'jah. Tobijath . Multi-Version Concordance
Tobi'jah (3 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 17:8 and with them the ...
/t/tobi'jah.htm - 7k

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 6:10 to take of the captivity (who came from Babylon) from Heldai, from
Tobijah, and from Jedaiah, 'and thou hast come in -- thou, in that day, yea ...
/z/zephani'ah.htm - 9k

Jedaiah (13 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 6:10 "Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of
Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of ...
/j/jedaiah.htm - 11k

Jedai'ah (13 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 6:10 to take of the captivity (who came from Babylon) from Heldai, from
Tobijah, and from Jedaiah, 'and thou hast come in -- thou, in that day, yea ...
/j/jedai'ah.htm - 9k

Tobadonijah (1 Occurrence)
... Jehoshaphat to teach in the cities of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:8). The name looks
like a dittography arising from the two previous names, Adonijah and Tobijah. ...
/t/tobadonijah.htm - 7k

Tob-adonijah (1 Occurrence)
... Jehoshaphat to teach in the cities of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:8). The name looks
like a dittography arising from the two previous names, Adonijah and Tobijah. ...
/t/tob-adonijah.htm - 7k

Heldai (4 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 6:10 "Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of
Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of ...
/h/heldai.htm - 8k

Josi'ah (50 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 6:10 to take of the captivity (who came from Babylon) from Heldai, from
Tobijah, and from Jedaiah, 'and thou hast come in -- thou, in that day, yea ...
/j/josi'ah.htm - 21k

Zebadi'ah (9 Occurrences)
... 17:8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and
Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob ...
/z/zebadi'ah.htm - 8k

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