Joiakim, a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, is primarily known as a high priest who played a crucial role in the restoration of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile. His name, meaning "Yahweh raises up," reflects the hope and renewal experienced by the Israelites during this time.

Genealogy and Family Background

Joiakim was the son of Jeshua (Joshua), who was the first high priest after the return from Babylonian captivity. Jeshua worked alongside Zerubbabel to rebuild the altar and lay the foundations of the Second Temple (Ezra 3:2). Joiakim's lineage is traced back to Aaron, the brother of Moses, establishing his rightful place in the priestly line. This genealogy is significant as it underscores the continuity of the priestly office and the fulfillment of God's promises to maintain a priesthood in Israel.

Role and Leadership

Joiakim's tenure as high priest is noted during the time of Nehemiah, who was instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the reestablishment of the Jewish community. Although the Bible does not provide extensive details about Joiakim's specific actions, his leadership is implied in the context of the religious and social reforms that took place during this period.

In Nehemiah 12:10-11, Joiakim is listed among the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The passage states: "Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim the father of Eliashib, Eliashib the father of Joiada." This lineage highlights the continuity of the priestly office through successive generations, emphasizing the stability and order restored in the post-exilic community.

Challenges and Context

The period of Joiakim's high priesthood was marked by significant challenges, including the need to reestablish religious practices and adherence to the Law of Moses. The community faced external opposition and internal struggles, as seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The role of the high priest was crucial in guiding the people spiritually and ensuring the proper observance of religious duties.

Joiakim's leadership would have involved overseeing the temple services, maintaining the purity of worship, and possibly addressing issues of intermarriage and covenant faithfulness, which were significant concerns during Nehemiah's reforms (Nehemiah 13).

Legacy

While specific actions of Joiakim are not detailed in the biblical text, his position as high priest during a formative period in Israel's history underscores his importance. His role in maintaining the priestly lineage and supporting the community's spiritual renewal contributed to the preservation of Jewish identity and religious practices during a time of rebuilding and restoration.

Joiakim's legacy is further cemented by his mention in the genealogical records, which serve as a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God in preserving His people and their leaders. His life and service exemplify the continuity of God's covenant promises and the vital role of spiritual leadership in guiding the community through times of transition and renewal.Joiakim

(whom Jehovah sets up), a high priest, son of the renowned Jeshua. (Nehemiah 12:10) (B.C. before 446.)

(whom Jehovah has set up) = Jehoiakim, a high priest, the son and successor of Jeshua (Nehemiah 12:10, 12, 26). JOIAKIM

joi'-a-kim (yoyaqim, "Yahweh raises up"; compare JEHOIAKIM; JOKIM): Son of Jeshua and father of Eliashib, the high priest (Nehemiah 12:10, 12, 26).

3113. Yoyaqim -- Joiakim
... Yoyaqim. 3114 . Joiakim. Transliteration: Yoyaqim Phonetic Spelling: (yo-yaw-keem')
Short Definition: Joiakim. Word Origin the same as Yehoyaqim, qv. Joiakim ...
/hebrew/3113.htm - 6k

3079. Yehoyaqim -- "the LORD raises up," three Israelites
... Word Origin from Yhvh and qum Definition "the LORD raises up," three Isr.
NASB Word Usage Jehoiakim (36), Joiakim (4). Jehoiakim. ...
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The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Joiakim (3 Occurrences)
... 12, 26). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JOIAKIM. joi'-a-kim ... 12, 26).
Multi-Version Concordance Joiakim (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 12:10 ...
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Joi'akim (3 Occurrences)
Joi'akim. Joiakim, Joi'akim. Joiarib . ... Nehemiah 12:10 And Jeshua begot Joiakim,
and Joiakim begot Eliashib, and Eliashib begot Joiada, (See RSV). ...
/j/joi'akim.htm - 7k

Joi'ada (4 Occurrences)
Joi'ada. Joiada, Joi'ada. Joiakim . ... (See RSV). Nehemiah 12:10 And Jeshua begot
Joiakim, and Joiakim begot Eliashib, and Eliashib begot Joiada, (See RSV). ...
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Meraiah (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Resistance, a chief priest, a contemporary of the high
priest Joiakim (Nehemiah 12:12). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MERAIAH. ...
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Joiada (5 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:10 Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the father
of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of Joiada, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE ...
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Eli'ashib (15 Occurrences)
... Eliashib. (See RSV). Nehemiah 12:10 And Jeshua begot Joiakim, and Joiakim begot
Eliashib, and Eliashib begot Joiada, (See RSV). Nehemiah ...
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Eliashib (15 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:10 Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the father
of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of Joiada, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE ...
/e/eliashib.htm - 13k

Meshullam (25 Occurrences)
... (17) A priest who subscribed the Covenant (Nehemiah 10:7). (18) (19) Two priests
at the time of the high priest Joiakim (Nehemiah 12:13, 16). ...
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Jeshua (30 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:10 Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the father
of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of Joiada, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE ...
/j/jeshua.htm - 21k

Helkai (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Smooth-tongued, one of the chief priests in the time of
Joiakim (Nehemiah 12:15). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HELKAI. ...
/h/helkai.htm - 7k

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