Ishmaiah is a lesser-known figure in the Old Testament, mentioned specifically in the context of King David's reign. His name, which can be translated as "Yahweh will hear" or "Yahweh has heard," reflects a common theophoric element in Hebrew names, indicating a connection to the divine.

Biblical References:

Ishmaiah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:4, where he is listed among the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty warrior among the thirty and a leader over the thirty." This passage highlights Ishmaiah's role as a valiant warrior and a leader, emphasizing his importance among David's elite group of fighters.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Gibeonites, to whom Ishmaiah belonged, were originally Canaanites who tricked Joshua into making a peace treaty with them (Joshua 9). Despite their origins, the Gibeonites were integrated into Israelite society, and Ishmaiah's inclusion among David's mighty men suggests that he was a respected and trusted figure. His leadership position "over the thirty" indicates a significant level of authority and responsibility within David's military structure.

Role and Significance:

Ishmaiah's role as a "mighty warrior" and leader underscores the diverse composition of David's followers. David's band of warriors included individuals from various tribes and backgrounds, united by their loyalty to him. Ishmaiah's presence among them illustrates the inclusivity and unity that characterized David's early support base, which was crucial for his eventual establishment as king over all Israel.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Ishmaiah's account reflects themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises. His name, meaning "Yahweh will hear," serves as a reminder of God's attentiveness to His people. Ishmaiah's inclusion among David's mighty men can be seen as part of God's plan to establish David's kingdom, which ultimately foreshadows the coming of the Messiah from David's lineage.

Legacy:

While Ishmaiah is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his mention in the context of David's mighty men ensures his place in the history of Israel. His legacy is preserved in the biblical record as a testament to the diverse and dynamic group that supported David during his rise to power. Ishmaiah's account, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the line of David.Ishmaiah

hearing or obeying the Lord

Ishmaiah

(Jehovah hears), son of Obadiah; the ruler of the tribe of Zebulun in the time of King David. (1 Chronicles 27:19) (B.C. 1046.)

Heard by Jehovah.

(1.) A Gibeonite who joined David at Ziklag, "a hero among the thirty and over the thirty" (1 Chronicles 12:4).

(2.) Son of Obadiah, and viceroy of Zebulun under David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 27:19).

ISHMAIAH

ish-ma'-ya (yishma`yah, "Yah is hearing"):

(1) A man of Gibeon, chief of David's 30 great warriors, who came to him at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:4, the King James Version "Ismaiah").

(2) Chief of the armed contingent of the tribe of Zebulun, which served David in the monthly order of the tribes (1 Chronicles 27:19).

3460. Yishmayah -- "Yah hears," two Israelites
... "Yah hears," two Israelites. Transliteration: Yishmayah or Yishmayahu Phonetic
Spelling: (yish-mah-yaw') Short Definition: Ishmaiah. ... Ishmaiah. ...
/hebrew/3460.htm - 6kIshmaiah (2 Occurrences)
... 27:19). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ISHMAIAH. ish-ma ... 27:19).
Multi-Version Concordance Ishmaiah (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles ...
/i/ishmaiah.htm - 8k

Ishma'iah (2 Occurrences)
... Ishmaiah, Ishma'iah. Ishmeelite . ... 1 Chronicles 12:4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite,
a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; (12:5) (See RSV). ...
/i/ishma'iah.htm - 6k

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)
... From their rich land they brought stores of provisions (1 Chronicles 12:40). Over
Zebulun in David's time was Ishmaiah, son of Obadiah (1 Chronicles 27:19). ...
/z/zebulun.htm - 29k

Obadi'ah (16 Occurrences)
... RSV). 1 Chronicles 27:19 of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; of Naphtali,
Jerimoth the son of Azriel; (See RSV). 2 Chronicles ...
/o/obadi'ah.htm - 10k

Jahaziel (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and
over the thirty, and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Jozabad the ...
/j/jahaziel.htm - 10k

Joha'nan (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 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 ...
/j/joha'nan.htm - 13k

Jerimoth (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali,
Jerimoth the son of Azriel: (KJV JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT NIV). ...
/j/jerimoth.htm - 11k

Jer'emoth (8 Occurrences)
... See RSV). 1 Chronicles 27:19 of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; of
Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel; (See RSV). Ezra 10:26 ...
/j/jer'emoth.htm - 8k

Jaha'ziel (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 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 ...
/j/jaha'ziel.htm - 7k

Jeremoth (9 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS). 1 Chronicles 27:19 of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of
Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel: (WEB ASV NAS). Ezra 10 ...
/j/jeremoth.htm - 10k

Who was Obadiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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