Joshaviah is a lesser-known figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. His name appears in the context of the mighty warriors who served under King David, highlighting his role as a valiant and skilled fighter. The name "Joshaviah" is believed to mean "Yahweh makes equal" or "Yahweh levels," reflecting the theocentric nature of Hebrew names, which often convey a relationship with God.

Biblical Reference:

Joshaviah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:6, where he is listed among the Benjamite warriors who joined David at Ziklag. The passage reads:

"Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah the Haruphite, Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Joshaviah the Korahites." (1 Chronicles 12:5-6)

This list is part of a larger enumeration of the men who came to support David during his time of need, as he fled from King Saul. These warriors are described as being adept with the bow and able to use both the right and left hand to sling stones and shoot arrows, indicating their exceptional skill in battle (1 Chronicles 12:2).

Historical and Theological Context:

The inclusion of Joshaviah among David's supporters underscores the widespread recognition of David's anointed kingship, even before he officially ascended to the throne. The tribe of Benjamin, from which Joshaviah hailed, was the same tribe as King Saul, David's predecessor and rival. This allegiance to David from members of Saul's own tribe signifies a significant shift in loyalty and highlights the divine favor and legitimacy that David commanded.

Theologically, Joshaviah's presence in the narrative serves as a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises. The gathering of mighty men around David can be seen as a divine orchestration, ensuring that David would have the necessary support to establish a united kingdom under God's chosen leader. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about His purposes through human history.

Cultural and Genealogical Significance:

In the genealogical records of the Bible, names like Joshaviah serve to connect the narrative of Israel's history with specific families and tribes, preserving the heritage and lineage of God's people. The mention of Joshaviah as a Korahite may indicate a connection to the descendants of Korah, a Levitical family known for their role in temple worship and music. This connection, while not explicitly detailed in the text, suggests a rich cultural and religious heritage that would have been significant to the original audience of the Chronicles.

Overall, while Joshaviah may not be a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the list of David's mighty men highlights the importance of every individual in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. His account, though brief, is a reminder of the diverse and multifaceted nature of God's work among His people.Joshaviah

the seat, alteration, or captivity of the Lord

Joshaviah

(whom Jehovah makes dwell), the son of Elnaam, and one of David's guard. (1 Chronicles 11:46) (B.C. 1046.)

JOSHAVIAH

josh-a-vi'-a (yoshawyah, allied form to JOSHAH (which see)): Son of Elnaam, one of the band of braves who served David (1 Chronicles 11:46), omitted from the list of 2 Samuel 23, which is less complete and differs in detail.

3145. Yoshavyah -- one of David's heroes
... 3144, 3145. Yoshavyah. 3146 . one of David's heroes. Transliteration: Yoshavyah
Phonetic Spelling: (yo-shav-yaw') Short Definition: Joshaviah. ... Joshaviah. ...
/hebrew/3145.htm - 6kJoshaviah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOSHAVIAH. josh-a-vi'-a ... in detail.
Multi-Version Concordance Joshaviah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/j/joshaviah.htm - 7k

Joshavi'ah (1 Occurrence)
Joshavi'ah. Joshaviah, Joshavi'ah. Joshbekashah . Multi-Version Concordance
Joshavi'ah (1 Occurrence). ... Joshaviah, Joshavi'ah. Joshbekashah . Reference
/j/joshavi'ah.htm - 6k

Jeribai (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam,
and Ithmah the Moabite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/jeribai.htm - 7k

Josh'aphat (2 Occurrences)
Josh'aphat. Joshaphat, Josh'aphat. Joshaviah . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Joshaphat, Josh'aphat. Joshaviah . Reference Bible.
/j/josh'aphat.htm - 7k

Jithmah (1 Occurrence)
... Jithmah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel of Mahavim, and Jeribai, and
Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Jithmah the Moabite, (DBY). ...
/j/jithmah.htm - 6k

Jer'ibai (1 Occurrence)
... Jer'ibai (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and
Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite; (See RSV). ...
/j/jer'ibai.htm - 6k

Ithmah (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam,
and Ithmah the Moabite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/ithmah.htm - 7k

Eliel (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam,
and Ithmah the Moabite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/eliel.htm - 10k

Elnaam (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam,
and Ithmah the Moabite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/elnaam.htm - 7k

Eli'el (10 Occurrences)
... RSV). 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah,
the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite; (See RSV). 1 ...
/e/eli'el.htm - 8k

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