Ismachiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the reforms of King Hezekiah of Judah. His name, which can be translated to mean "Yahweh sustains" or "Yahweh upholds," reflects a common theophoric element in Hebrew names, indicating a relationship or attribute of God.

Biblical Reference:

Ismachiah is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 31:13, where he is identified as one of the overseers appointed by King Hezekiah. The passage reads: "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" .

Historical and Religious Context:

The mention of Ismachiah occurs during a period of significant religious reform in the Kingdom of Judah. King Hezekiah, who reigned from approximately 715 to 686 BC, is noted for his efforts to restore proper worship practices and to cleanse the temple of idolatrous elements introduced by his predecessors. This period was marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and adherence to the laws given to Moses.

Ismachiah's role as an overseer suggests that he was entrusted with responsibilities related to the administration and organization of temple services and resources. The reforms initiated by Hezekiah required a reliable and faithful team to manage the logistics of temple worship, including the collection and distribution of tithes and offerings. Ismachiah, along with his fellow overseers, would have played a crucial role in ensuring that the temple functioned according to the renewed covenantal standards.

Theological Significance:

The appointment of Ismachiah and others as overseers highlights the importance of faithful stewardship in the service of God. Their roles were not merely administrative but were integral to the spiritual renewal of the nation. By ensuring that the temple operations were conducted properly, they facilitated the people's return to covenant faithfulness and worship of Yahweh.

Ismachiah's inclusion in the biblical narrative, though brief, underscores the collaborative effort required to bring about religious reform and the importance of each individual's contribution to the collective spiritual health of the community. His name, meaning "Yahweh sustains," serves as a reminder of the divine support and guidance that undergirded the reforms and the ongoing life of the covenant community.Ismachiah

(whom Jehovah upholds), a Levite who was one of the overseers of offerings during the revival under King Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 31:13) (B.C. 776.)

ISMACHIAH

is-ma-ki'-a (yicmakhyahu, "Yah will sustain"): One of the "overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God" (2 Chronicles 31:13).

3253. Yismakyahu -- "Yah has sustained," a Korahite
... Yismakyahu. 3254 . "Yah has sustained," a Korahite. Transliteration: Yismakyahu
Phonetic Spelling: (yis-mak-yaw-hoo') Short Definition: Ismachiah. ... Ismachiah. ...
/hebrew/3253.htm - 6kIsmachiah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ISMACHIAH. is-ma-ki'-a (yicmakhyahu ... 31:13).
Multi-Version Concordance Ismachiah (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 31 ...
/i/ismachiah.htm - 7k

Ismachi'ah (1 Occurrence)
Ismachi'ah. Ismachiah, Ismachi'ah. Ismael . Multi-Version Concordance
Ismachi'ah (1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Ismachiah, Ismachi'ah. Ismael . Reference
/i/ismachi'ah.htm - 6k

Isles (32 Occurrences)

/i/isles.htm - 17k

Nahath (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 31:13 Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and
Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers ...
/n/nahath.htm - 9k

Jerimoth (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 31:13 Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and
Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers ...
/j/jerimoth.htm - 11k

Jehi'el (12 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth,
and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were ...
/j/jehi'el.htm - 9k

Jozabad (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 31:13 Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and
Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers ...
/j/jozabad.htm - 11k

Jo'zabad (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 31:13 Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and
Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers ...
/j/jo'zabad.htm - 8k

Jer'imoth (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth,
and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were ...
/j/jer'imoth.htm - 8k

Ismakiah (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth,
and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were ...
/i/ismakiah.htm - 6k

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